International Women's Day
I've been debating all day what to put up for International Women's Day. There is so much so much depressing news out there that needs to be shared -- from women demonstrators in Pakistan protesting hudud laws (with the government opposing the protest, let alone the idea of changing their laws...) to reports of American female soldiers dying in their sleep of dehyrdration because they weren't drinking after a certain hour because going to the bathroom at night was practically a guaranteed way to get raped (and our government covering it up, lying on the women's death certificates rather than confronting the problem...) But I've had enough of bad news lately. Today, I want to share my joy in being a woman. So here's a poem I penned for the occassion:
Jubilation
By Pamela K. Taylor
International Women’s Day
March 8, 2006
Let me celebrate this day
The ways of womanhood
The palm tree curve bodies
Made to withstand
Gale forces
Rooted firm in their place
Upright, proud
Yet pliant enough to endure
Let me celebrate
The life blood womb nest
That grows persons
But more
The life blood heart nest
That nurtures persons
From within
And without
Let me celebrate
Her of the sweet kisses
And her of the tattered book
Of the running shoe
And the open score
The eye cast up to heaven
Or a down a microscope
Her of the knitting needle
The back pack and canoe
Let me celebrate
The dancing eye
Arcing lip
Swaying hip
Swinging breast
Broad footed
Square handed
Joy of womanhood
Let me celebrate
This day at least
Before I return to battle