08/03/2026
To all the women who empower or stand by women while we are tempered by storms
To those who are rocks rather than wrecking balls - Thank you
TEMPERED BY TEMPEST
when the storm strikes
and dark clouds loom
and endless night takes hold
and your breath is taken
and your lungs fight to breathe,
be strong, be bold and hold
when the maelstrom roars relentlessly
and threatens your soul to crush
and whispers darkening threats in your ears
and twists into your heart with a rush
- be strong, be bold and hold
like a jealous lover scorned
the whirlwind smites
the guts are torn from your belly
and you reach for a branch,
a foothold, a hand
and your legs just turn to jelly
- be strong be bold & hold
when you reach the eye
and the storm silently gloats
promising turmoil and tempest once more
step into the storm
you've now got the form
embrace it with a roar
~ you're strong & bold ~ and you hold.
and when you open your eyes
you look into the faces
of women who were roaring with you
together you stand
within a chain of hands
knowing, “we are all crew!”
tempered, emboldened, in unison ~ we hold.
Nicolle Mitchell
