I’ve been called names,
unhinged, wacko names,
un-American and treasonous.
The angry mob. Evil.
I’ve been called evil.
I incite Hondurans to walk
a thousand miles for refuge.
I’m hunger, nights on the ground.
The steps I didn’t step yesterday
I wish to donate to mothers
who push the stroller,
hold the 5-year-old’s hand.
My borders are open.
Lady Liberty in New York,
I’m the harbor, I light the torch.
I’m the poem at her feet,
the tired, the poor.
I am that woman.
Some call me weak, low IQ,
a nasty woman, a bimbo, a dog,
a fat pig. I’m a gold-digger,
a horseface. I’m highly overrated.
Miss Piggy, Miss Housekeeping
I’m no longer a 10.
Hands hold me down, grab
at my privates, cover screams
that rise through my mouth.
In the men’s locker room, lips curl,
I’m the drunken laughter.
I’m blood coming out of my eyes,
out of everywhere. Every morning
the sounds of sticks and stones
break like bombs. No longer
am I able to lie down. I stand.
High or low, I’ll give it back double.
I am so glad to see your work in print.
You know the names of birds and now
a Poetry Caravan is how I read it. xxxxx Joan Logghe
I was expecting more in dealing with the “people” of the caravan and not a critique on Donald Trump. And the threat of “.giving it back double” does nothing in healing the wounds of divisiveness.
All I can say is “Amen. to that!” And thanks for sharing this powerful piece!
I am weary, but I hear ye!
Harriet is a talented wordsmith and artist. I love her work! This is a powerful piece, and speaks to the people who are suffering from the disdain and the bullying and name-calling that is being condoned – promoted – as a direct result of the insufferably negative posturing of Donald Trump. The wounds of this divisiveness will not heal as long as he stays in ‘power’ with his decisions and false promises growing, unchecked by those who oppose him and those in his own party who are too afraid of him to act.
Bravo Harriet! This poem carries such a powerful message. I love your poetry! Hugs to you, E.T.
Harriet, thank you so much for sharing! It is a powerful piece. Cynthia
Harriet, you told it like it is – powerfully defined! The pen is mightier than the sword! Congratulations, Evelyn
Powerful poem, Harriet. Thanks!
Beautiful!
I love everything about this poem–style, content, slant message truly delivered. Harriet Stratton’s considerable poetic skills come to forefront here, and no one can walk away from its message untouched.
one should read poetry with an open mind, without expectations. How can you ‘expect’ a person to write what you want to read, rather than write how they feel?
I would encourage you to write, so you can read what you expect
This poem is marvelous. Creative and thought-provoking. Art has always been an important tool to preserve history.
Such a poignant and timely poem. Women who speak out in the name of justice and mercy can expect to be called names. Thank you for naming this.