From this cauldron, all life springs...

THE WORK OF WOMAN


Here we honor the work of woman
The dirty, disregarded, essential work of woman;
The healing, cleansing nurturing work of woman.
Here we honor woman’s work.
Our woman’s hands are working hands,
Supple to knead the dough, shape the bread,
Strong to wash the linen, lift the child,
Scrub the floors, scour the pots
And banish all that is corrupt.
Gentle to heal the sick, touch the brow,
Firm to mix the healing herbs,
Blessed to do the work
That feeds and clothes and heals humanity.
Give us woman’s work to do and watch
The wounded heal, the tables prosper,
Watch the children grow plump with in our care,
Watch the garden flourish and the linen dry.
Watch the men lay down their arms for ours.
And never underestimate a woman’s work.