only another butch would understand

Liam · 11-19-2009, 08:07 PM

The "discussion," which I have read in this thread, reminded me of similar ones, which inspired this poem, written in the early 80's.

Tapestry

It is difficult to find the thread in this weaving of women,
a string labeled community with knots so obvious,
yet the adjoining fiber elusive.
Self-imposed matriarchs, seductive in their leadership,
silent sheep blind to the wolf in shepherd's clothing,
it is a comfortable existence.

Where are your voices sisters?
How long before you discover the courage to not give your power away?
A wise man once spoke of stones and blame,
no doubt a lesson learned at his mother's knee.
Yet you persist in elevating your own self-importance,
and righteously climb over the lives that you have
discussed, dissected, and discarded as unworthy.
Are you ignorant of your own mistakes?
Unwilling to admit your own shortcomings or foolishness?
Are you so perfect, that you have forgotten that life is simply a path of lessons?

There is no hierarchy in the field of growth,
it is simply a common struggle,
success measured only by the individual,
not the collective.
Set your houses in order sisters—
tend to your own housekeeping.
Speak of yourself, not others.
Divisions and factions evade the warp,
the thread could be pulled,
the weaving unraveled.

© 1982 K. Berryman

No longer identifying as a lesbian, or butch, secure in my masculinity, and sadly confident that there is no room in this community, for me.

Liam

11-19-2009, 08:07 PM	#31
Liam Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Guy Preferred Pronoun?: He, Him, His Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The Evergreen State Posts: 2,269 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 14,865 Thanked 6,874 Times in 1,859 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	The "discussion," which I have read in this thread, reminded me of similar ones, which inspired this poem, written in the early 80's. Tapestry It is difficult to find the thread in this weaving of women, a string labeled community with knots so obvious, yet the adjoining fiber elusive. Self-imposed matriarchs, seductive in their leadership, silent sheep blind to the wolf in shepherd's clothing, it is a comfortable existence. Where are your voices sisters? How long before you discover the courage to not give your power away? A wise man once spoke of stones and blame, no doubt a lesson learned at his mother's knee. Yet you persist in elevating your own self-importance, and righteously climb over the lives that you have discussed, dissected, and discarded as unworthy. Are you ignorant of your own mistakes? Unwilling to admit your own shortcomings or foolishness? Are you so perfect, that you have forgotten that life is simply a path of lessons? There is no hierarchy in the field of growth, it is simply a common struggle, success measured only by the individual, not the collective. Set your houses in order sisters— tend to your own housekeeping. Speak of yourself, not others. Divisions and factions evade the warp, the thread could be pulled, the weaving unraveled. © 1982 K. Berryman No longer identifying as a lesbian, or butch, secure in my masculinity, and sadly confident that there is no room in this community, for me. Liam