I do not question the muse. Even when she arrives, as she did in the early morning hours, with words and ideas and images to play with.
No. I rise up and heed her calling, if only to clear my mind so I can fall asleep again.
I wrote the framework of this poem at 2:30 this morning and worked on it again when I arose (for real this time) at 6am.
I do not like to label my words, or put them in a box called… feminist, or militant, or any other constructs we use to name the ways of women and their allies that fall beyond the allowable places women have been allowed to inhabit. Those names are seeds that have been planted and cultivated throughout time by the pervasive nature of this patriarchal world we inhabit.
I prefer to write them out and give them space to be present. An expression of something deep within me seeking light, form, voice, substance. Something created to give me pause, to wonder, ponder, devour and hold up to the light to see through all that has appeared, all that is happening into the essence of all that I have divined, all that I have experienced, all that I have left unsaid that is calling to be said, now.
Recently, while on a Zoom call with a group of men and women, I felt compelled to draw attention to something that was being said between some of the men that caused me discomfort. Their conversation was rife with sexual innuendo. It felt totally inappropriate.
In the process of thinking about speaking up, I felt my heartbeat quicken, my throat constrict, my body tighten with fear.
“Why am I afraid to speak up when what is happening is not reflective of the best of our humanity?” I wondered.
I didn’t want to say anything, I wanted to pretend as I have done too often in the past, that ‘boys would be boys’ and what they were doing was harmless.
But it wasn’t harmless. Along with making others feel uncomfortable, it perpetuated the patriarchal concepts of allowing ‘boys to be boys’ because, “It’s a man’s world baby. You better get used to it.”
And so, still quivering inside, I took a deep breath and spoke up.
This poem rose up out of hundreds of such conversations and encounters I’ve endured, and too many women I know have also endured, without speaking up or drawing a line to say, No More.
PS. In speaking up, others spoke up too — and that felt empowering. One of the men immediately apologized and others wrote to thank me for drawing attention to something they too believe needs to change.
I am grateful. In speaking up, I am reminded, every voice matters and when we give voice to what needs to change, we create space for change to happen.
Namaste
Dare Boldly 
I agree and appreciate the difference between speaking up for the collective of humanity, in that to something that is wrong in the moment that feeds patterns like patriarchy, and building a box called feminism to lock myself in, so everything I say needs to fit in that box, against a gender/belief and for some other, without a healthy balanced regard. I understand the often inability to speak up, and celebrate with you that you did speak up, others supported and apologized. So comforting and encouraging to know. Your poem is so powerful and beautiful! It nudges open everywhere some of us are still finding our way. It resonates with the freedom I feel on the other end of this journey, owning my body, spirit and being.
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Little by little we can, like the river wear away the rough stone. Thanks Louise!
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Ooohhhh! I love your analogy June! Thank you! And yes, we can!
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Bravo Louise! We do not have to put up with that kind of attitude. Never should have but at least now, we are taking back our power.
This is a wonderful and powerful poem that deserves to be pinned on a wall.
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YES! Well said Dale — taking back our power — it has been centuries in the making! ❤
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Way too long! 🙂 xoxo
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“Every voice matters and when we give voice to what needs to change, we create space for change to happen.” Amen Louise- truer words were never spoken.👏🏼
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Thank you Val! Hope you are well. ❤
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Bloody well said my friend
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Thank you dear Joanne!
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Well done but not at all surprising that you did took this important step.
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Thank you Bernie! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thank you for speaking up. Thank you for sharing this. The conversations do need to change. In reflection, I know there are ways for me to grow and change. To break free of the messages and habits reinforced when I was younger. It is time to be the respectful gentle men that this world so desperately needs, and deserves.
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Did I mention that I adore your poem? I have printed it off to keep it close. To heed the words. For an important reminder.
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Thank you! ❤
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I think one of the challenges Dustin is that those messages and habits of which you speak are subtle – in all of us. My ‘acceptance’ of what is has been deeply ingrained in me, as has my unknowing biases. And yes, this world does need more respectful, gentle men like you! ❤
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Well-said Louise… it’s good to be the “wind, wild and free!” Beautifully penned! I wonder whether the perspectives are ever going to change and those who want the control would ever understand!!
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Thank you Balroop — Those are both very complex questions – until ‘we’ stand up and create the kind of change we want to see in the world, it for sure won’t happen! ❤
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