A while ago I read this poem at work and thought of it again late last night after this week started with International Women’s Day. I work at The Reader, where literature sits at the very heart of what we do. Internally, we read as often as we can together as a team, it’s wonderful.
The below poem by Lucille Clifton is short but powerful. It’s a piece of writing that I hope will stick with me for a long time to come. Strength and power.
won’t you celebrate with me
what i have shaped into
a kind of life? i had no model.
born in babylon
both nonwhite and woman
what did i see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my other hand; come celebrate
with me that everyday
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.
Celebrate.
N.
Nicola Williams 