NEEDED

This world needs us...
Women who believe there is more
To blue than skies and make-up
Who see rainbow possibilities 
In war torn neighborhoods, survive
Low grade trauma and sing
Lullabies to babies not yet born: we 
Are hopeful in spite of bullets
So common we know their cousins

We wrap ourselves in blankets
For prayers, sip hot mint tea
And remind the lemon it is
More than garnish. It
Is flavor and medicine.
These are the lessons of our
Grandmothers. We are women
Of history, made and still to come.
We are weighty in our power
And the world needs us.

© Valerie Bridgeman
November 23, 2013