I'm currently working my way through a creative writing course work book and being challenged to write about different things. The challenge a couple of weeks ago was to find news stories to spark ideas. I read an article about a pilot who had flown from the UK to Australia in an old bi-plane so I chose to write about women who inspired me.
I think of Margaret Atwood's description
of a red thread stitched through and between every woman
passed from mother to daughter,
linking Aunt to niece, friend to friend, sister to sister.
A great crimson tapestry of all our strength.
I think of the women I know, who inspire me:
The ones who travel fearlessly on paths overgrown and remote
seeking the adventure of new experiences and finding peace.
Those who create and have confidence in their creations.
Flamboyant performers with scorching determination,
doggedly refining their art.
Those who get through each day on cups of tea and carrot cake,
offering kind words and hands to steady me.
Those who are raising children with such devotion
in a cauldron of love and transformation.
I think of the women who helped me become who I am today,
with buckets of patience and unending persistence,
with good humour and imagination,
I want them to know how grateful I am.
