An ode to women.
Women.
Women have taught me what I need to know to remain standing in this world right now.
Women have been my sisters,
My fellow rage monsters,
My erratic dance partners,
My bread-breaking table companions,
My space holders,
My wisdom keepers.
Women.
Women have shown me time and time again how to express vulnerability and still feel safe.
How asking for forgiveness can liberate all of us.
How accidentally consuming two doses of edibles renders you landlocked on the couch.
How no one judges any of that,
But simply says,
I'm here.
I'm not going anywhere.
Can I bring you a glass of water?
Women.
Women are the lighthouses.
Women who are willing to dive into deep waters and know when to swim to the shallow end for respite.
Women who aren't afraid to fight for the right thing.
Women who rage against the wrong thing,
Only to collapse into a heap and then rise to do it all over again.
Women.
I pledge allegiance to the women who came before us,
Who fought for our fundamental rights.
I pledge allegiance to the women who are present-day warriors and refuse to back down.
I pledge allegiance to the women who have yet to come,
Who are counting on us until we take our last breath.
Women.
That is who will heal the world.