This is my piece for Magaly's Dark Poetry for the Cruelest Month: Protest and Outrage
Outrage is hard to hold
in the face of weariness.
When quiet tears replace
pumping fists and shouts of rage,
the comfort of a pillow and a cat
seem so sensible.
Today I have used all my matches.
The bras are all burned,
the signs stacked at the side of the garage.
No scheduled rallies,
no rhymed chants
will fill my time.
I know this is but a rest stop,
a refueling for the continuing fight.
How did we let time fold itself
so quietly back to a past reality?
My big girl panties will be waiting
for when the fire burns in my belly...
in a day, maybe two.
But, for now, I must grieve,
must ponder, must heal.
The warmth of a blanket
and the soft purr of a kitty
will help me on my way.
Visit this link to find other outraged and protesting writers and artists!
http://magalyguerrero.com/protest-and-outrage-dark-poetry-for-the-cruellest-month-2017/
As we everything in life, protestation and outrage are best served when we keep things balanced. If we scream all the time, shake our fist endlessly, we'll end up without throats and armless. We need to recharge, find a quiet place and spend time with ourselves... those big girl panties need strong legs to step into them.
ReplyDeleteI really like the reality of this poem, Sharon. The reminder...
This is so much how I felt today. Not ready to give up the fight, just needing a break. Thank you!
DeleteI love this, Sharon, and I agree entirely, some days are for "big girl panties" and some are for the "soft purr of a kitty"! A little self-care is needed to continue to fight the good fight! ♥
ReplyDeleteWe so need to remember this! Thank you!
DeleteOne should never underestimate the power of a soft blanket...who knows what energies grow under it's protection XXX
ReplyDeleteWe all need a recharging station nobody said it couldn't be soft and warm! Thanks, Gina!
DeleteThis is beautifully written, Sharon. I like that the speaker gives time to grieve, ponder and heal but doesn't give up the fight. There's some quiet strength in this piece. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Khaya! I think we sometimes forget that grief is involved.
DeleteSharon, this poem comforted me, I love the way you make it ok to rest, re-energise, battles and protests are exhausting, and you have captured that, there is so much to be outraged about, but yes, sometimes we need whispers instead of shouts & hugs not hate... love it... balance is the key.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you were comforted, Shelle. I have felt on the edge of burn-out for some time. I have just decided not to feel guilty about taking a time out once in a while. Thank you so much for reading my bit.
DeleteSuch comfort and consolation in your words, Sharon. Especially like; "the warmth of a blanket' and 'soft purr of a kitty' Beautifully penned.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words, Sanaa!
DeleteThis perfectly describes the weariness I've heard a lot of the hardcore activists describe. Even the most dedicated person needs a break between battles.
ReplyDeleteI hope they know it is ok to take a break so as to find the strength to carry on. It would be such a shame to lose all this great activism due to burn out! I hope you are taking care of yourself!
DeleteBeautifully written and expressed! We need time to grieve and we must remember to nourish ourselves so that we may continue the fight. Lovely!!
ReplyDeleteFor those that struggle with boundaries and self care this is especially important!
DeleteMagaly was right in recommending me to read this. It's good to hear that one is allowed rest from the fight, and that it doesn't mean one has given up <3
ReplyDeleteYes, we have to recharge those batteries. We can't do much good if we're all burnt out!
ReplyDeleteSo true! Thank you!
DeleteBeautifully written Sharon! I love what "Ms Misantropia" said!! I couldn't say it better! Big Hugs :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Been missing you!
DeleteYes! Thank you for the reminder to care for ourselves even as we rage for others. I like to recharge my batteries with pillow forts and colouring books.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love your recharging station! Thanks for stopping by!
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