Domestic violence is not often the stuff of poetry, but the personal story of a survivor featured in a newsletter inspired a member of our N.C. Council for Women to take pen to paper.
I had no idea that Jenny Ward of Charlotte, our talented board member, was such a gifted writer. She transformed the story of an unnamed survivor – representative of the “one in five” women likely to experience domestic violence in their lifetime – and crafted a moving call to action. I am honored that she has allowed me to share her poem: “one woman is too many.”
there’s no pink ribbon, or even red
no merit badge either
she’s one in five
voice-less – in her own home, in her life
she lives in cycles, churning, in an unspeakable rhythm
time stands still
can we give her a voice?
can we say, one women is too many?
invite our men – our boys, husbands and fathers
friends, lovers and neighbors
together, we take a stand
to say the unsaid
relentless, never to return to this place
giving health to all, we lift her up
after all, it’s about her – and about us
we can do better, we can live in peace
the north carolina council for women
gives voice to one in five
one woman is too many