Tag: women

I Roar

On By NB GwenIn The JourneyLeave a comment

“Did you think the lion was sleeping because he didn’t roar?” ― Friedrich Schiller, Die Verschwörung des Fiesco zu Genua

“My own brain is to me the most unaccountable of machinery – always buzzing, humming, soaring roaring diving, and then buried in mud. And why? What’s this passion for?” ― Virginia Woolf

I have always been the quiet mouse.

Never one to rock the boat.

Never tip the scales.

Never speak out of turn.

Never argue.

Never dissent.

I’m done.

The events of the last few years have stiffened my spine and I will no longer be quiet.

My roar may be not be obvious or loud, but it is there.

I roar for the refugees being outcast and used as scapegoats by those in power.

I roar for the women who are derided, shamed, and mistreated.

I roar for the children without enough to eat and with no support.

I roar for the people who have no healthcare and cannot afford it.

I roar for the minorities for the mistreatment they suffer.

I roar for the Natives who have suffered so much from decades, nay, centuries of mistreatment.

I roar for the men who feel they have no voice.

I roar for our Earth that is constantly being desecrated by those in power and by the ignorant.

I roar for all the humans beings on this 3rd rock from the sun – we are one, we bleed the same, we cry the same, we feel the same.

I roar for the all.

I roar.

Perhaps, one day, no one will need to roar to be heard, instead a peaceful dialect will be possible. Perhaps, one day, we will finally all be equal – one people under one sun. Until that time – I will roar.

Katy Perry – Roar

Strange Animal

On By NB GwenIn The JourneyLeave a comment

“Humanity, I’m sure I do not have to tell Your Grace, is a strange animal.” ― Kady Cross, The Girl in the Steel Corset

I’ve noticed my last few post have a bit of a theme…people are strange.

We tell women to be strong, equal, take control of your life! BUT only if it doesn’t interfere with anyone else’s needs.

We tell me that they need to be more compassionate, allow their emotions to show, be softer, sweeter. BUT only if they are still full of machismo and testosterone to get that job done and support everyone.

We tell children to be strong, independent – GROW UP! BUT don’t walk beyond the sidewalk, don’t talk to strangers, don’t go out. Stay safe, stay bubble wrapped (metaphorically speaking).

We tell the old how much we care. BUT we leave them to rot and be abused in elder care. We’re too busy we say, too busy making money to keep the house to feed the children to keep the cars to keep up appearances.

We tell people of other cultures how accepting we are, how caring, how much we want to make a change in the world. BUT only if you aren’t gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, gender fluid, African, Asian, Indian, Native American, African American, Hindu, Muslim, Shiite, Jewish, – any faith other than Christian, any colour other than white, any language but English – shall I continue?

I’m fed up with people keeping up appearances.

Keeping up appearances
It’ll never do
to allow them to wander
freedom
what would you do?

keeping up appearances
make that lawn look great!
clip and clean
shine and glean
freedom
what would you do?

keeping up appearances
2 1/2 children
seen and not heard
perfect kitchen, perfect house
perfect
freedom
What would you do?

Keeping up appearances
keeping in line
follow the rules
don’t step on that lawn!
freedom
What would you do?

Keeping up appearances
why?
Are you happy now?
Take that pill
put on a smile
freedom
what would you do?

keeping up appearances
make a grand farewell
a rotting corpse dressed to kill
tears flowing
memories rusted
appearances fall away
freedom
what did you do?

People are so strange.

Gowan – Strange Animal