ALL GOD'S CHILDREN NEED TRAVELLING SHOES

PRESS FOR PROGRESS

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MARCH 8TH

 

All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes is a book by Maya Angelou about hopelessness and displacement, but so much more than that, about survival, dignity, resilience and evoking in me a sense that all will come right in the end.

 

“I didn't talk much, my smile was rare

for almost two years I was that way

but then aged 9 ½ I found

I could write without making hardly a sound

except for the soft touch of pen on paper

like a whisper as the words flowed over and from me

like my life's blood had spilled across the pages

from paper cuts that made me bleed. “ - AP

 

Soundtrack : www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5emcbg_wZk

TWIST IN MY SOBRIETY – TANITA TIKARAM

 

I lost my innocence in childhood

first time was when I was eight years old

then again at seventeen

seems like my story needs to be re-told

I was as brave at eight years old

as I was again at seventeen

but no-one was convicted

I was not believed; I bore the shame

now I stand tall for every woman

though I still feel often small

and to women who abuse other women

I try to forgive them; I pray for them all

we are sisters no matter our geography

no matter class; no matter fortune

we dance in unison; beautiful choreography

we dance together; to one tune

always we should find love and comfort

in each other's arms

across the ocean; holding hands

joined together we calm and balm

we could stand up and scream and shout

but no-one would hear us then

the still small voice of calm is stronger

with grace and dignity; the mighty pen

can outweigh the sword with every word

can adjust the balance in our favour

join with me now and press for progress

sisters; mothers; children; saviours

 

For those who do not have a voice

for those whose voice was taken

God gave me the gift to write these words

to let them know they are not forsaken.

 

- AP - Copyright © remains with and is the intellectual property of the author

 

Copyright © protected image please do not reproduce without permission

 

My artwork is a compilation of my photographs and art

Done