WILLOWS OF WADI SURROUND – A poem by Ama Danesi
My mouth kisses my palm
and holds back welling tears
I remember I was a stranger there
his hands groping, seizing,
searching for certainty here.
As long as wicked is in the room
may willows of the wadi
surround and mark me safe.
This pain is not measured
by the scale of years
but unraveled by melodies
and as shadows reflect mysteries.
My river once turbulent
is no longer frightened for
tree of harps are singing out
names and redemption songs.
Once hushed and gray as a moth
my whole soul sings too, loud.
Me who moved further from shore,
now, rushes home in an exquisite
finery of light, sculpted in palace style.
Time Magazine deservedly honored the “Silence Breakers” as Person of the Year 2017. These women and men challenged the status quo of sexual aggression and I stand with every girl, boy, woman, and man who has suffered the injustice and humiliation of sexual assault and abuse. We will not keep silent concerning our bodies and limbs.
We celebrate its splendid frame and the brave hearts rising across the world to confront small, weeny “gods.” We celebrate the power of each voice and the collective refrain. Hear our souls sing out loud. The sound barrier is broken and people will be silent no more!
In Service,
AD
Image Credit: Pixabay and Time Magazine 2017: The Silence Breakers
Ama Danesi 