Women by Alice Walker
They were women then
My mama’s generation
Husky of voice—stout of
Step
With fists as well as
Hands
How they battered down
Doors
And ironed
Starched white
Shirts
How they led
Armies
Headragged generals
Across mined
Fields
Booby-trapped
Ditches
To discover books
Desks
A place for us
How they knew what we
Must know
Without knowing a page
Of it
Themselves.
My mama’s generation
Husky of voice—stout of
Step
With fists as well as
Hands
How they battered down
Doors
And ironed
Starched white
Shirts
How they led
Armies
Headragged generals
Across mined
Fields
Booby-trapped
Ditches
To discover books
Desks
A place for us
How they knew what we
Must know
Without knowing a page
Of it
Themselves.
Regardless of what has been done to each of us throughout history ... we always remain strong. There may be tiny cracks here and there, but the strength remains despite what or who we have had to deal with along the way. I deeply admire each of my sisters in the journey we all call life.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very moving poem and image. These lines brought goosebumps:
ReplyDeleteHow they knew what we
Must know
Without knowing a page
Of it
Themselves.
Thank you for posting this.
Their strength is our strength ... whatever is faced in this journey called life ... our ancestral sisters paved the way for us today and in the future. What a beautiful tribute to women!
ReplyDeleteThis is so powerful and true. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat strength comes from our ancestors ... they have taught each of us to carry that strength into the future regardless who or what we deal with along our journey of life.
ReplyDeleteSo moving, I have no words...simply beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes. I hope I have raised my son to be half the man you are in being supportive of women. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYes, thanks again....
ReplyDelete