Poems
Peach Tree Poem
by Sara Hickman
Once upon a limited amount of time
a peach tree came to rest
within the reach of your eyes
o flowering funny fuzzy faces
sweet juicy ripe love for all who dared to
gather, dared to speak
one day you awoke
you gasped, aghast
for
the tree had been plucked, tween the thumb and
forefinger of some uncaring giant jerksawing, hacking, biting. her flesh left
in sawdust without sun
oh,yea...just ONE MORE JOB TO HIM
and one less shaded
path
one less reminder of how green the spring rain
colours slick afternoons
one less nesting space for bird and worm
one less umbrella for little girls, underneath, to hug paper and pen
for the rest of us
Poem for the Women of the Speaking of Women's Health Conference
by Sara Hickman, 2001
Open your eyes and ears so that you can be alert
To the injustices of our sisters
Around the world:
Women suffering from lack of education,
From malnutrition,
From inhumane treatment and the
Disrespect of their societies.
Use your hands to build up our daughters
Give them the foundation
To become strong, healthy individuals
Who demand safe homes and streets
So they will no longer be victims
Of domestic,
Racial,
Sexist,
And unnecessary violence.
Walk on, though your feet may be weary
For you leave tracks behind you
That other women may find direction
From the lessons you have learned.
Be pleased with your unique bodies...
They represent your individuality!
Celebrate your spiritual, mental and physical journeys
That mold you
Into the person that only you can be.
Open your hearts;
Be proud of your empathy!
Nurture one another
And be jubilant in your tears
for those less fortunate,
For the moments that cause you to pause
And feel what life has to offer.
And, lastly, remember your voices!
Speak out, shout out, sing out
With the honor and integrity inherent in each of you...
Remember who you are with your song,
For it only takes one voice
To start a choir.
