Women gathering
Energy rising
The signs are all around
By thousands they arrive
Big or small, flashy or tentative
In peace, silently witnessing
To an inner strength—irrepressible
Words of cordoned rage, curtained fear
Energy sparks energy
Let the march begin
Trembling spirits brave destructive powers
Wave upon wave through
Crowded streets
Waiting, stepping out
Bump, recoil, walk on
Energy swirls a vortex
Spirit calls to spirit
Sun breaks through the clouds
And then the eagles come
Two bald eagles, circling
Above the crowd
Again…again…again…
Circling, swooping, curling
Earth calls to sky
Sky calls to earth
Great bird wings beat their wild incantation
Care for the earth—justice!
Listen to the Native Americans—justice!
Respect for women—justice!
Cry out for immigrants, for those of different races
Sexualities, persuasions
For people newly birthed to their freedom
To love and live pursuing hope
And liberty for all
Four eagle eyes record
For all posterity
Who stands up for the least of these
Against the abrogation
Of the common good
Until raised up as if on eagle’s wings
The giant crowd shifts, flows on
And moves as one
Toward the focal point of truth
With its sustaining heartfelt call to love.
Carol Mariano serves as senior pastor of the Haller Lake United Methodist Church in Seattle, Wash. The photo accompanying this poem was taken by her at Judkins Park which was used as a staging ground for the Womxn’s March in Seattle on January 21, 2017.
