They were women then
My mama's generation
Husky of voice—Stout of
Step
With fists as well as
Hands
How they battered down
Doors
And ironed
Starched white
Shirts
How they led
Armies
Headragged Generals
Across mined
Fields
Booby-trapped
Ditches
To discover books
Desks
A place for us
How they knew what we
Must know
Without knowing a page
Of it
Themselves.
Judaye, that line resonated with me as well, and also "headragged generals." I love the warrior woman imagery juxtaposed with a mother's love.
I like "With fists as well as Hands" Hands sooth and hold other hands. They touch faces and blow noses and feel for fevers. These women also knew how to ball up those hands into fists and knock down doors. Great poem. Thanks for posting.