WILD, WISE, WONDERFUL WOMEM

This morning I went to my last meeting of the women's group I've belonged to for almost 5 years, followed by a potluck lunch in the beautiful garden of one of the members.  When I first moved to Victoria I felt very isolated and very in need of human interaction so I - the consummate non-joiner - joined a social group and a group for women over 50.  At the time I was a few months away from my 48th birthday-but I was desperate and the women were unsuspecting-thank the gods!  A few months ago I wrote a poem to tell these amazing women what they mean to me and how much they have helped me these past years.  This poem is my tribute to them.

WILD, WISE, WONDERFUL WOMEN

I'm a joker not a joiner, leader not a lackey, guarded about gals who gather in groups, a woman wary of women.

Encountering back-stabbing belles, blatant in their bitchiness, destructive dames denying dignity; I was repelled, retreated.

Yet I was locked in loneliness, suffering in silence, driven to despair. I had to hear human voices, needed to be known.

To save my sanity I stepped outside my safety zone, came to sit amongst them, stranger sitting in silence, seed in search of sun.

Into the safety of the circle I settled; welcomed, warmed; I laughed, lamented, listened and learned from the wisdom of these women.

Their lives have been diverse, difficult, demanding,despairing, at times disabling, and yet, in the end, they have not been defeated.

Their lives have been joyous, gentle, generous, gregarious, giving and gallant; the giggling girl inside their hearts still lives, still strong.

Wonderful women spending sunny, soaking or shivery Saturdays sharing stories and strengths, shame and sorrow, hardship and hope.

I have been witness to women's strength, have watched weariness overwhelm them, have extended empathy and at times subtly sought support.

Their influence on me has been profound; their words and wisdom educating, enlightening, empowering and inspiring me.

I have listened to these women talk of abuse and abandonment, death and divorce, faltering and failing, trials and triumphs.

I have seen anger and acceptance, caring and compassion, have witnessed resistance and resilience, toughness and tenderness.

I have learned about allowing and accepting, bonding and boundaries, forgiving and forgetting, latching on and letting go.

I have grown, stumbled upon sisterhood, perceived passions, learned to honour my woman's heart, stride surely toward a future once feared.

I am mystified, moved, motivated, made powerful, by these mighty, marvellous, memorable, magnificent matriarchs.

TO THE JAMES BAY WOMEN'S GROUP, WITH LOVE & GRATITUDE