Our First Tribute.

An honest and touching poem from our very own Jess, who happens to be one of the women I admire.

The Women I Admire

By Jessica Pherson

I admire the women

Who carry their young on their backs

Who bend over in fields all day

Whose skin cracks over sore knuckles

I admire the women

Who work three jobs for their family

And never complain

Who want to buy themselves a new pair of shoes

But save for food instead

I admire the women

Who stand up for their beliefs

And follow their dreams

Who bring light into this world

Often shrouded in darkness

Who get up everyday

With a smile on their face

Even when someone is out there waiting

To wipe it away

I admire the women

Who have touched my life,

Who have touched our lives,

Who have created the human race

I admire the woman

Who brought me into this world

Who is my shoulder to cry on

Who is always there when I need her

Who I see in the mirror each day

photo by Jessica Pherson

Jessica Pherson is one of the Founders of The Veillee and author of her own blog, Healthy Mommy, Healthy Baby. She works from home part time for an eco-friendly jewelry company/retailer and is also a stay-at-home mom to Lily. She wrote this poem in honor of International Women's Day for all the women whose good works go unnoticed. 

Learn more about Jessica by checking out The Matchbox section of this blog!  

Women...and stuff.

Photo by Ego Technique*

Yesterday, International Women's Day, was unseasonably gorgeous here in New York. I walked through the park, without my coat.  I delighted in birdsong, and spotted a female squirrel running here and there, searching for the hoard she must have stashed during the frigid months. All I could think about was how appropriate the day's beauty was for a celebration of women and all that we bring to the world. And then I started thinking about the solar storm raging in the heavens...and how this warm weather reflects a distinct change in our climate...and how women in other parts of the world are still fighting for freedoms that many of us have enjoyed for nearly a century. Only a century. Which really isn't very long, is it? In the grand scheme of things...

SO, even though I'd love to have you guys to submit some wicked cool sci-fi stuff about solar flares and post-apocalyptic ghost cities, in reference to yesterday's anti-climactic solar storm, I think I'd rather ask you to send in tributes to the inspirational women in your life. If you had to choose one person for "Woman of the Year," who would it be? Post your answer in the comments section of this post, or send them to veilleesubmissions@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing your stories.

Write on,
Em



* Ego Technique has nothing to do with The Veillee, and does not necessarily support anything we stand for. He, or she, or they, simply took a nice photo of a female figure, which can be viewed at the Brooklyn Museum. http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-3277961180