International Women's Day

Today is March 8th, International Women's Day. It is true that we have come a long way, however, we still have a long, long way to go  Our quest for gender equality is not over.  I posted the following poem some time ago and I believe it is appropriate for this day.

  

    IMMORTAL WOMAN

Ever since prehistoric times

Woman has been dragged, pushed, pulled,

belittled, enslaved, raped, disregarded, & discarded;

her wild seed trampled.

Neither time nor history has changed

Woman's destiny of subjugation.

Receiver of seeds, willingly or unwillingly,

procreator of sons,

keeper of unnatural rhythms.

Ever since prehistoric times

Woman has struggled, resisted, defied, deserted,

endured, & transcended;

blossomed wildly, unexpectedly.

Even so,

Strong Woman has barely modified

time & history,

destiny & unnatural laws.

Ever since prehistoric times

Woman is receiver of instinctual wisdom,

compassionate giver of self,

mirror of daughters,

nurturing & encouraging freedom,

yet also guardian of boundaries,

with discernment & tenacity.

Ever since prehistoric times,

Woman is sagacious & steadfast,

maiden, mother, grandmother,

matriarch, wise & empowered Crone,

No matter destiny,

No matter history,

No matter time & laws,

No matter the predators!

Mildred Santiago (rev. 2014)