I AM THAT WOMAN

The one you overlook at first glance

Who appears world weary and drab

or

who seems to have a glint in her eye that makes you look twice

The one with veiled questions in her gaze that must be answered

Yes I am the sum of them all

I am that woman



My heart beats

My lungs sing with the new day

and my heart is alive

ALIVE

do you hear me?



I create your beloved home

The food that you eat

The child that you cherish



I am woman

As essential to life as sunshine to the earth

Do not count my voice as absent

as I am your wife, mother, sister, friend,

grandmother

and a million other wombs

all carrying the drumbeat of your male warrior hearts



Listen to me

I speak in the rain beating on your roof

The liquid falling silver of a full moon

and the promise of each new day



I am the one you hold in your arms at night

I am in your identity

guardian of hearth and of future



Do not pass by me in a hurried rush

Stop.

Hush!

Listen...