“Many stories which are not on paper are written in the bodies and minds of women.“ – Amrita Pritam
in our weakness we find strength
to be a woman is to weep
love hurts because our hearts love deep
and for love’s sake, women lose sleep
to love and nurture is part of our nature
monthly cycle of cramps and blood
hormonal emotions of changing mood
endometriosis, cervical or breast cancer too
even childbearing brings tears of joy and grief
belly stretch marks, skin tags and bags
age and gravity means beauty sags
hot flash sweats feel like dishrag
have women not bourn and mourned enough?
must we also suffer the shame of porn,
abuse, rape, abortion, sexual scorn,
abandoned by lovers in the morn?
godly women clothe themselves in dignity and honor
______________
Linking to dVerse Poets where Punam introduces us to poetry of Amrita Pritam.
a poem in my pocket 
Jun 05, 2022 @ 11:45:00
Nailed it, sister!
Jun 05, 2022 @ 12:46:00
Thanks so much, Janice!
Jun 02, 2022 @ 09:30:50
So strong Lynn, and powerfully on-point. Woman are so often better leaders, more empathetic, more able to see and hear multiple views. I always felt it was because they are more attuned to the suffering of others, as it is a regular component of their life — so they actually listen. When I was at Lucasfilm LTD. In the late 90’s, my immediate boss was a woman, and her team ran the most efficiently in the organization, and was the most interactive and satisfied — directly the result of her inclusive management style, which I personally attribute to her innate essence of nurturing. Monica was quite amazing. I respect and consider her my friend to this day.
Jun 02, 2022 @ 10:34:10
Thanks for commenting, Rob, and sharing your story of a strong woman who nurtured her team and led well!
Jun 02, 2022 @ 01:38:03
Reblogged this on Reena Saxena and commented:
Imbalance of Power … by Lynn
Jun 02, 2022 @ 05:32:50
I appreciate the re-blog, Reena!
Jun 01, 2022 @ 21:20:01
The duel between joy and grief is palpable Lynn, a recognition of the meaning of the epigraph in personal experiences laid bare, visceral, strong.
Jun 01, 2022 @ 21:29:52
Thank you for this wonderful comment!
Jun 01, 2022 @ 17:08:16
Your last line, in dignity and honor for women despite what women have to go through in life. Thanks for joining in Lynn.
Jun 01, 2022 @ 17:48:04
Thank you, Grace…I needed to add that last line!
Jun 01, 2022 @ 08:24:36
“and for love’s sake, women lose sleep”
Ain’t that the sad truth! We bear so much in the name of love. You have so rightly pointed the marks our skin and mind carry.
Jun 01, 2022 @ 08:56:20
Thanks, Punam! Yes, life leaves its marks.
Jun 01, 2022 @ 11:01:18
You are welcome, Lynn.
Punam
Jun 01, 2022 @ 11:23:25
Thanks for the interesting prompt too, Punam 🙂
Jun 01, 2022 @ 06:07:30
This line right here: “love hurts because our hearts love deep”—so true
Jun 01, 2022 @ 08:57:48
I appreciate your comment on that line, Dee.