Hello and welcome beloved reader- I’m glad you are here, to celebrate women and wish you a happy International Women’s Day.
Today’s post is a poem – The Line, which I wrote a while back, is dedicated to all the women in my life, who took a stand in the face of extreme racism and sexism to ensure their children had the opportunity to live a “better life.”
Tomorrow is International Women’s Day-A day for us to celebrate women and the goodness and achievements of women –from all backgrounds, cultures and faiths.
My Fondest Memory Of The Women in My Life – My Aunts
Strange as it seems, one of my fondest family memories is walking with my mother, her sisters and other female elders and friends on the way to arrange the Wake for my brother’s funeral.
It broke my heart to see my mother grief-stricken and beaten, yet the way my aunts and mum’s friends flew in from all corners of the globe, rallied around us and brought everything together, made me feel strong and at the same time humble in the face of their love and feminine nurturing.
I felt proud to be out “with the women” of the family.
It reminded me of the power women hold and the way we gather and support each other through the ups and downs of life.
As the night drifted and arrangements made for John’s funeral, my mother and family shared their childhood memories of growing up in Grenada and struggles of life as “immigrants in another country”.
I grew up hearing these stories, yet on this particular occasion, in the midst of us mourning our loss, I could feel the multiple injuries and heartache, my mother and aunts went through in their desire to have a “better life for their children.”
The Line is for you, mum, my aunts, and all the women who help me be where I am today. I love you and thank you.
The Line
I come from a long line of women.
Black Women.
Who, have stood firm, courageous and loving
In the face of adversity.
Women,
Who fought for their
God, Country and Family.
Women,
Who denied themselves favours
So that their children will live with peace.
Women,
Who grew up, believing the myths of others
Yet still brave enough to re-create their own history.
And so
I now proceed to join the line
To stand
Shoulder to shoulder
Breast to breast
Womb to womb
Warrior Queen ready to do battle.
The Battle
Of
Injustice v justice
Of
Hope v despair
Of
Courage v fear
Of
Love v hate.
So with my Ancestors Blood Inside
I Stand Straight
And
Join the Line.
*****
Conclusion
In the spirit of sisterhood and friendship, I honour you and wish you a peaceful day.
Remember no matter where you come from, what story is running through your life, we all breathe the same breath, together we rise and become the phenomenal women we were born to be.
If you enjoyed this poem, I’d love to hear your thoughts and memories of being a woman and impact your women ancestors have on your life.
Take special care of yourself.
Peace, hugs and blessings.
Ntathu
Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
Your poem captures the spirit of Sisterhood. It's especially powerful at those times when the combined strengh helps everyone to get though the day. Thank you for sharing – Jan x
Bless you Jan, thanks for sharing and recognising the value of Sisterhood…can't beat your girlfriends for holding you up and sharing the highs and lows. Hope you had an awesome day. Take care.
Wonderful poem and post. The strength and fortitude of women, creating an even stronger bond together. Some of my fondest memories of my own family are at sad times in our lives, the closeness and intimacy that's shared, helping and supporting each other through our grief and embracing our love.
Thank you, Sally
Thanks Sally, yes, it is true, often the saddest times of life are the times we truly find and connect with friends and family and people who matter. Thanks for sharing and blessing my site. Stay well.