Books

7 Poems To #ReflectAndResist

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Big news on the feminist front: The Women's March has announced its fifth action, Reflect & Resist, and bookworms everywhere surely must be thrilled. Unlike the demonstrations and marches and protests of the past few months, Reflect & Resist is about reading or watching or listening to work you can discuss with others. Sharing and conversation are key to this deeply personal action.

I like how Women's March defines the action:

Action five is designed to educate some, and refresh others, through study, reflection, and courageous conversations, so that we can all be empowered by, and learn from, the work of activists who came before us, while being mindful not to perpetuate the mistakes of the past. Community is key to activism, so bring your huddles, neighbors, and your march partners back together, collectively choose a book or article to read, or film to watch. Take time to reflect and, together, discuss the topics that they highlight and the issues that women experiencing multiple forms of oppression have faced and continue to face.

Women's March encourages participants to choose work that challenges them. Let's face it: poems can be difficult to "get." Fortunately, that makes them perfect fodder for your Reflect & Resist session. The bonus? These seven are short enough that you can spend time with a few!

1

"Skirting" by Dale Going

if I show you my legs

won’t you
see
that
I’m leaving
all life
is
a leaning

Click here to read.

2

"How to Be a Dream Girl Not a Doormat About the Ex" by Kathryn Maris

Remember you’re a prize

Click here to read.

3

"Tarragon, Are You a Wild Boar?" by Vi Khi Nao

Tarragon, are you a wild boar?

I was born female, hyper-focused

Let me trim your skirt, halibut

It’s dragging salt against my oregano

Buttered by butter in no butter

Click here to read.

4

"Barbie Chang's Tears" by Victoria Chang

Barbie Chang’s tears are the lights of
the city that go off on

Click here to read.

5

"Alaska" by Dan Taulapapa McMullin

is a fairy-tale queendom
with monsters whom I don’t know
I only know my friends the fairies

Click here to read.

6

From "The Black Maria" by Aracelis Girmay

The fight, first, to open, then to breathe,
& then to close. Each of us entering the world
& entering the world like this.

Click here to read.

7

"Night Song for Missy" by Afaa Michael Weaver

My bones tied up with his bones at night,
him falling asleep in my arm after wrasslin me,
calling it love in some kind of low whisper
no dog would believe.

Click here to read.