Misters for sisters
Where do you stand, brother?
And so another women's day.
What do you say, mister?
Will you stand by your sisters,
Shoulder to shoulder at the barricade?
No time has ever made the standing more called for,
No time have media tried to put the cause on pause, more
Than this age of AI-made click-bait rage.
Hatred let loose, freed from the cage
To engage in wanton acts of misogynistic,
Terroristic, racism, sexism, transphobic
Vilification, homophobic opprobrium.
All the gains of past generations
Cast into the dust, sacrificed
To the god of misinformation.
A generation of girls without education, prospects or sanitation,
Rape, a weapon of war and subjugation,
Women and girls not safe in their homes,
Not free to walk outside, alone.
But all is not gloom, there are gains to be built on.
Stand tall with your daughters, wives and sisters,
Female friends, kin, colleagues and strangers.
Raise the scarlet banner high, don't hide
Your heart's longing for justice for all
Women and girls:
RIGHTS EQUALITY POWER
Now is the hour to make it plain, brother,
Are you a builder or a breaker?
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International Women's Day 2025 (March 8) theme from the United Nations,
For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment
I will be suggesting a challenge around international women's day, shortly, since there would appear to be none on offer from Vocal. Although there is a nice new crop of other offerings. Perhaps one (or more) of your submissions to these challenges could pick up on a Women's Day theme, could focus on an inspiring woman of past or present, fictional or real, or otherwise demonstrate support for the historic aims of Women's Day.
Thanks for reading
Ray
About the Creator
Raymond G. Taylor
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
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Comments (6)
Oooo, opprobrium, that's a new word for me! Loved your poem. Looking forward to your challenge
Let me simply say that which my breaking heart will allow: Amen, Raymond. Amen.
Women are just great. I have worked as a nurse and even a day care teacher and really in those fields women are the leaders even though men are slowly entering these fields. I think I have an acrostic for Women hope you check it out. It will be posted shortly. Good job,
👏👏👏 Great performance, Ray! Whether intentional or not, I loved where the rhymes landed. They weren’t direct or forced but created a clever flow. RIGHTS-EQUALITY-POWER I can totally see that on the scarlet banner. Powerful work, Ray! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Powerful and pertinent words, I have seen so much misogyny in my life in and out of work and had to take many men to task for it
Raymond i loved this one. Your poem resonates deeply with the urgency of standing up for women’s rights and equality, particularly in these tumultuous times. It beautifully highlights the contrast between progress and the societal setbacks fueled by misinformation and systemic oppression. I admire how you channel this powerful message of solidarity—calling on men to rise in support of their sisters, daughters, and friends. The strength and clarity of your call for justice and empowerment are inspiring. This is a much-needed reminder of the importance of action, not just words, in the fight for gender equality.