Feminae
Even now,
astonished men undervalue the humanity of women -
the weight of her womb,
more than mere bodily fruit;
the transformative light beneath her surface.
Someday,
through all her suffering and humiliation -
stripped of her outward status
yet, shining forth -
Femina will no longer mean
the mere opposite of the man.
E. A. Bland
Reclaiming the Multifaceted Humanity of Women
The verses of "Feminae" powerfully confront a longstanding injustice – the persistent undervaluing of women's full humanity.
As I sat down and worked through the process of writing this poem back in 2020, I tried to reflect on how, even in the present day, there remains a tendency among "astonished men" to reduce women to mere physical attributes, failing to recognize the depth and complexity of the feminine experience.
This reductionism is not merely a superficial oversight, but a symptom of deeper societal biases that have marginalized and dehumanized women throughout history.
The poem's reference to women's "suffering and humiliation" reflect the harsh reality that generations of women have faced – stripped of status, autonomy, and the basic recognition of their inherent worth.
Yet, at the core of "Feminae" is a vision of transformation, a belief that:
Women will one day be seen not as the "mere opposite of the man," but as multifaceted human beings in their own right.
Now, by no means am I a saint, nor do I claim to have any or all of the answers.
So, although I do my best to continually recognize the "transformative light" within women - a wellspring of creative, emotional, and spiritual power that has long been under appreciated and overlooked - I still fall short from time to time.
I'm still human after all. \_(-.-)_/
However, as a father to one of the most radiant human beings I've ever encountered - my daughter - I know that...
Reclaiming this full humanity is essential not just for the advancement of women, but for the betterment of society as a whole.
By confronting the tendency to judge women solely on the basis of physical attributes, we open the door to a richer, more nuanced understanding of the female experience.
We become receptive to the diverse perspectives, innovative solutions, and profound contributions that women have to offer.
Moreover, situating this poem within its historical context underscores the urgency of this reclamation.
Centuries of systemic discrimination, gender-based violence, and restrictive societal norms have shaped a distorted view of women's capabilities and worth.
Acknowledging this history is crucial for challenging ingrained biases and fostering a more equitable, compassionate world.
In the end, "Feminae" serves as a clarion call to honor the dignity and multifaceted humanity of women. It invites us to move beyond superficial judgments, to recognize the wonder and potential that lie within the feminine spirit.
By heeding this call, we can cultivate a society that truly values each individual, regardless of gender, and unlocks the full richness of human experience.
But I want to hear from you:
When you read through this poem, how did it challenge any common perceptions or stereotypes you might have about women and their value to society?
What specific lines or images stood out to you in this regard?
Today's edition of Found Poetry Monday briefly explores the heavy historical context of discrimination and marginalization that has shaped societal views of women.
As you reflect on that, how do you think this legacy continues to impact attitudes and opportunities for women today?
What experiences have you witnessed or been aware of?
We also explored the notion that reclaiming women's full humanity is vital not just for women, but for society as a whole.
Do you agree with that sentiment? I'd love to hear your perspective on why you feel that way.
Finally, as you consider the themes and messages in this poem:
How do you think they connect to or intersect with contemporary conversations and movements around feminism, gender equality, and social justice?
What parallels or connections stood out to you?
Also, if you have any reading suggestions to help further my own, and the community's continuing education, I encourage you to share them in the comments section as well.
Until next time,
Stay Poetic!
Looking for a fresh way to express creativity? Pen, Paper, and Heart is your guide to exploring found poetry, an art form that finds beauty in existing texts, like "Feminae"
Dive in and transform the way you interact with words. Discover a free preview of my upcoming guidebook by clicking this link: