10/05/2022
A letter to the system~
"I am a mama without a village
I raise, cook, wash, tend, clean, taxi drive, hold space, tend emotions, I work, make money, to pay rent, food, school, car, and more. I set boundaries, fold washing, sweep floors, plant trees, organize schooling, breakfast time, lunch time, dinner time, bed time, time to work crammed in school times, time for groceries, while I bring my gifts and talents into the world despite my fears, I am present, I heal, I rest, time to rest? I give hugs for children’s feelings, kisses on scratched knees, I guard safety with clear no´s, healthy organic food all around, bike rides, movie times, bedtime stories, morning routines, teeth brushing dramas, playdates, birthday parties, Christmas presents, Saturday morning pancakes …
If I was super woman
I would cook bulk food each Sunday
But fortunately, on Sundays
I strike.
It takes a village
But my village is running
For the same errands
My daily job is weaving
A safety net
In tribal colors
And it´s exactly that job
That
I
don’t
have
time
or
energy
for
I always thought I was somehow escaping the system
But boy have you got me in a corner
With my back against the wall now
I am guilty of being woman
I am guilty of being a mother
A hungry system sapping my woman powers
While selling my woman value
On any old worn out street
Where I bargain for a few extra hours off
So that I can work to pay my rent
Meanwhile I am expected to
Look good
Work good
Be good
I am expected to be
Forever full moon
But actually
My back says
I need a massage
My sacrum says
I need more support
I am all the mamas without their villages
And still...
I rise
I will wear my invisible village
Like a blanket
Throughout time
I will hug the new moon
Listen to my bleeding body
And follow her guidance
Home
I may fail in your expectations
And you may fail to acknowledge
The gross imbalance
But still I rise."~
~Anna Begas
https://www.facebook.com/PlantAndSpiritMedicine/
art: Andrea Kowch