The sound and the sigh
Swoosh …
Each inhalation
An exaltation
Of the life force
That made these dark bodies
Out of bits of earth and dust
Deep breathing
Their diaphragms contract
Lungs filling – and flattening
Recoiling into a round of gust rhythm
Soft sounds seep
From lips loose and lax . . .
Relax.
A whistle
A wheeze
A total loss of control
A pause, a silent moment
Apneic and awing
The fragility of these emitting funnels
These tunnels that take it all in
Quicken this maternal heart
The scent of sweet milk
Souring on virgin tongues
Wafts through the air
Down the hall
Into my room.
A trail of incense
Olfactory only to mother
Into a squall, giving way
To gales
Building
And blustering into
wind shear.
Then quiet creeps in,
Winding into my peace,
From peril to pranayama.
“A gender-equal society would be one where the word ‘gender’ does not exist: where everyone can be themselves.”*
I’ve always been aware of gender conditioning and actively tried to combat any lingering prejudices or stereotypes in my own parenting, even down to encouraging dolls with my boys when they were little. It’s great to read people writing about gender issues they’re experiencing with their kids. For too long these subjects have been discouraged or silenced. I’d love to publish some more creative writing on this topic, especially if you are struggling with a child who actively tries to move away from gender normative preferences. A society where everyone can be themselves – thanks Gloria for those aspirational words.
* Gloria Steinem