Strong Women In A Big Canoe

Strong Women In A Big Canoe

Strong women in a big canoe
row, pull, steady their hard hands.
They search the moon that swings
in flashes in a circle of swift oars.
They find land and move
in nimble ant hill motions
to flatten the stern grass
It springs hardily into their bank beds.
They have been abandoned by men
for a monthly flow
that could bring bad luck on the venison,
or weakness on the camp store of food.
They are forbidden from the men
and naked in the comfort of solitude.
It is a cleansing time and the women
sing, sleep, drink,open
their legs in a sprawl of sleep and peace.
It is that moment monthly
when they hide their pleasure & practice
foolish faces at the tiresomes work
they have left for the old women
and for the men that believe
in the insanity of this separation.
They know the reality of fertility and seed.
They know nothing is accomplished
unless women bleed.

Reviews

[Ramya]

A very good poem...so very unique!

[icaros13]

I absolutely love this poem. I can relate, as I follow the old traditions of my people. Our women are suppose to rest during this time out of respect for being those who bear our children. I love how I can actually envision these women and how strong they are. Excellent write.

[Jada]

the mystery of women that is feared. I love this poem for its affirmation of feminine strength

[Ed Hart]

I confess, being a man has its down sides, most of them in fact...

[Jenny Nelson]

A very interesting and very well done piece. I'd have never thought to write about something such as this, but you're right on with it. Nice job!

[Emily B]

oh, wow . . .

that's all I can say

[Tracie Skarbo]

Oh how I applaud you on this one. I was thnking of doing a piece on this and how the fear was real to the men and how the women were shunned at this time. Each coming to the realization that they were indeed women and seperate. I could not have done such an amazing job as you have done here. Your grace and style filter through your words and give us a glimpse of time before. I think some R & R is worth all the cramps. :) Great job!

[Brown Bull]

We have noticed the human species obsession with the moon for thousands of years but most of the heifers I know follow the seasons of the sun!

Very nice poem.