PRIDE

Rainbow
G. Cornwall, c. 2012.

Pride. 

I revisit the word 

each year at this time 

often wish it was another 

mot du jour. 

This year I think of lions. 

This is my pride, 

stretched out, 

across the hot savanna. 

I have pride in my pride of lions, 

you women warriors, 

my band of women. 

Yes, you, you wild creators 

and lovers of life, 

child protectors and friends 

to the end. 

My pride, my pride.

Single mothers I see you

as you march on

I salute you

and you say,

"It's just what I do.

I'm a mom you see."

And I do see you

like a soldier of love

I see you

Toiling 

for the love of the children

through day and night

you fight for their right

to life,

to joy and love

You lift them high

right past you

so they would never know

your fatigue,

your loneliness,

how your love for your young

could break you open -  

it's so big

It hurts sometimes

you love them so.

Women, single mothers 

I see you

I honour and support you

Warriors of love

My pride

My pride.

-Gillian Cornwall, c. June 30