Ingrid Eich Poet Free verse

Fanning the Flames

FANNING THE FLAMES

I was heavy
Weighed down 
And buried by Judgment
Unintentional but hurtful just the same
Expectations of who I should be
As a daughter 
As a Catholic
As a wife
As a colleague
By men
Fearful, yet domineering
Oh, the irony
That your insecurity has fueled my power
Fed the tiny coals that the women in my life
Have protected
Fanned them into flames
Fed the fire in my belly
Ignited my strength and resolve
Given birth to my voice
I am woman.
I liberate myself.
Hear me thunder!
And growl, and rage, and shout
I will no longer be judged, dismissed, hidden—
 or silenced.

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Christopher Haywood September 19, 2026 at 6:16 PM This is a remarkably relatable and inspiring poem. You captured the heavy burden of societal and familial expectations so well, but the pivot where insecurity turns into your own fuel is dynamic and empowering. The image of women protecting those coals generationally is especially striking! Keep it up. - Chris Ingrid Eich September 19, 2026 at 9:34 PM Thank you, Chris! I can't thank you enough for your generous feedback. This was an especially personal piece to post and I'm so grateful for the warm and encouraging welcome.