woman is the word
that walked me along this life
that taught me the beautiful things
and held me close in the dark

woman is the strength
that fought hell for my frail breath
and sang with her heart to me
of secret names for my God

woman is mother, sister, lover, friend;
the centre of something like prayer
whispering sacred words in my ear
that life might be more than living…

(Written on the occasion of International Women’s Day)