I

It is there,
inside,
locked away…
the feeling that you are,
that you be
casting your shadow
upon those who would try to steal your soul.
You do not believe you can,
but you understand that you have no choice.
You must hold on to the memories and the words
of the warriors who came before you
for today’s battle
and for the battles that will follow.

II

Behold the star
claiming its space in the sky.
The star looks upon you,
giving strength
as you look upon the faces of the cowards.
You are your mother’s child,
the one who will speak her truth.
God expects no more, no less
from you, because you are your mother’s daughter.

 

Janet Cormier is a painter, writes prose and poetry, and performs comedy. JC prefers different and original over pretty. She loves collecting stuff, but cleaning not so much. Janet also talks to strangers. A lot. Her column now appears weekly on Oddball Magazine.