It’s not about pretty or ugly – it’s about convenient. The
dumpy girl who blends into the shadows always walks home from the library
alone. She didn’t pay attention to the look he gave her when she bent down to
pick up a pencil. She is not paying attention to who is standing outside the
library now. What he forgets is that arms that can carry so many books are
strong. And that a voice that whispers in a library is the loudest voice in the
choir. She can sing loud enough to make church walls shake.
Silenced voices grow loud.
Rejecting shame that isn’t theirs,
they rise and break walls.
Song Choice: Fighter by Christina Aguilera
This poem was created for a prompt given over at Imaginary Gardens With Real Toads - Wordy Thursday With Wild Woman: The Silence Breakers.
This is incredible. Every new line strengthens resolve.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you liked it!
DeleteFabulous, Rommy, the strong arms, the loud voice, and the brilliant haiku. Absolutely wonderful. Here in B.C., a Muslim woman was assaulted on public transit by a man who berated her hatefully, then tried to shove her head in his crotch. The other passangers all sat silent, except for one man who put himself between her and the assaulter and told him to get the f off the bus........the perp has now been arrested and charged. I am appalled at the bus full of people who sat in silence.
ReplyDeleteI share your dismay. But I am so happy that one brave soul took a stand.
DeleteMe too, Rommy. I like to think I would have stood up first, but don't know...I *am* sure I would have stood up second.
DeleteBravo! Bravo! I love this character. I know her!
ReplyDeleteI think many women do
Delete"They rise and break walls" -- love this! Be it so!
ReplyDeleteSo mote it damn well be!
DeleteRejecting shame that isn't theirs.... absolutely perfect... shame shall be were shame belong... finally.
ReplyDeleteI sure hope that's where things are going.
DeleteWonderful penning full of strength.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul
DeleteYes indeed. the strength in those arms and voice!
ReplyDeleteWhen those voices speak up, watch out!
DeletePeople are in the habit of making snap judgements about others based on gender and physical appearance. It is such a shame.
ReplyDeleteSadly true
DeleteYesssss.....
ReplyDelete*high fives*
Deletethe last 3 sentences in the prose gave me chills, really good chills that scream, "Sing it, sister!" And your very human haiku is pure truth.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see this as a short film. The music (and the emotions) would touch everything.
That would seriously rock!
DeleteSuch a great prompt, and such a great response to it. Your opening sentence is arresting in its truth and clarity. And I love the turning of the tables and the triumphant close.
ReplyDeleteYea!! A poem to repeat strength into a heart.
ReplyDeleteHaibunilicious, Rommy! I know this woman. She's awesome, and you record her perfectly. Thanks.
ReplyDeletePowerful, packs a punch and turns it on itself.
ReplyDeleteBlessed I have the opportunity to read this beautiful poetry from 2017. I love time travel. Your voice rings loudly and clearly, the song is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI really like rereading this one. I've always liked that girl. I can practically hear her voice, singing necessary quakes into the world.
ReplyDelete"I am woman, hear me roar!" and kudos to the man with the cojones!
ReplyDeleteThe silent breakers, we need more of them these days. And I even liked it more that the voice is that of a she in your poem. Bravo to her!
ReplyDeleteStrangely it was war that encouraged the emanicipation of women! With men fighting and dying somebody had to do the work to allow countries to still exist. It took a few thousand years for this to be achieved.
ReplyDeleteA strong woman that is and I love these powerfull lines
ReplyDelete"Rejecting shame that isn’t theirs,
they rise and break walls" Fantastic
Powerful message in this one.We live in a shallow superficial mindless world !
ReplyDeletewell, he will be messing with the wrong person.
ReplyDeleteyeah, arms that can carry so many books are strong.
loved the message in this captivating haibun.
This is awesome!
ReplyDelete