Influenced by innocent example
of elders,
Stepping stones of life habitually
set out.
Grand old wives tales with
dark warnings,
Their ethos for living faithfully
preached.
Her individual words still
easily recalled,
Images attach to present
day reflections.
Quietness kept her in a
solitary position,
Timidity bound her to a
domestic outlook.
Skills honed by worn hands
of experience,
Inherited traits set aside
for ways of today.
These days she strikes a more confident pose,
Her voice can project into
almost all corners.
Unattached from defined
roles of confinement,
Varied roles of equal
opportunity await interest.
These days she leads while
many care to follow,
Instincts tempered by
those motherly advisors.
©Copyright Eileen T O’Neill 05/03/2014
Poets
United Midweek Motif: Honouring Women/Women’s Achievements…
http://mypoeticparlance.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/her-ways_5.html
I love this. She gained her independence, her sense of self, rather than be defined by expectations and cliches. At least that's how I read this :)
ReplyDeleteBravo! I feel the fulcrum at "these days" as the woman--one or symbol of many--". . . strikes a more confident pose,
ReplyDeleteHer voice can project into almost all corners."
Your attention to voice totally resonates with me! Funny, though, about us whisperers--the "elders" taught me with no hint of doubt in their voices--even exceptions like my grandmother felt it necessary to teach the old ways. I might have done the same without the changing culture around me. Your woman here is much more a rebel and a leader.
Eileen, I like that she has outgrown her quietness and has grown in confidence over the years!
ReplyDeleteEileen,
ReplyDeleteI especially loved the last two lines ...
*These days she leads while many care to follow
Instincts tempered by those motherly advisors.*
Another wonderful poem.
Hope your week is going well.
Take care....
Margie
xx
smiles...i like that in the end she found her way to lead...and that others might follow as well...and she found such confidence as well...
ReplyDeleteI liked to read about the influences on this woman, how she was inspired and empowered by others before her.
ReplyDeleteglad that her silent chrysalis days are over and she has come to realize
ReplyDeleteand appreciate her true beauty.....a wonderful tribute to the Woman Eileen
Discovering your voice, your strength...the greatest gift.
ReplyDeleteI echo Brian.....the evolutionary journey of coming into one's own...lovely,. Eileen.
ReplyDeleteA discovery at a later stage gives that added boost. It is one that comes with a certain measure of confidence. It is working against all the negative traits that might push back progress. She should go for it with gusto! Wonderful write Eileen!
ReplyDeleteHank
Nice poem showing a strong woman gaining her leadership! A nice flow and progression throughout the piece! :)
ReplyDeleteAbsorbing and progressing - maybe the best gift any woman can receive ..wise and accomplished words indeed.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot to be said for growing older! *Grins*.
ReplyDeleteEileen
ReplyDeleteHave a most wonderful time in Phoenix.
I love that city.
You are there at a great time, before the summer heat sets in.
Take care
Margie
xx