March 8, is International Women’s Day. As said best by Gloria Steinem – “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”.
Since March is also Women’s History Month, I wanted to share a poem I wrote in honor of those females who came before us and who’s voices and rightful places in history and time have been looked over, forgotten or hidden away…
I stand in the background though my voice is heard
It just speaks through others so as not to perturb.
My face shall fade, my name forgotten,
Unless linked vaguely to one mentioned often.
History shall glance over me, barely give me my due
Pass by my importance, so it’s to those shadows that I am doomed.
Perhaps if you linger long enough you’ll notice my part in time
But you must travel and search carefully to unravel what is mine.
To make my skirts rustle once again
To have someone hear my laughter, feel my skin.
To share my anguish, to know my place,
Know how much of history I have graced.
Part of me excepted my due
The silence that was sure to ensue.
But perhaps now, if someone takes the time,
I can take my place in history and be given back what’s mine.
– Ella Patrice
Lawhimsy 