They Called Us Witches

They called us witches to keep us silent,
our words curling in smoke. They held
our heads under water, tied feet to a stake;
judged those without children or mark upon
skin. They accused us of misleading children,
that poor crops were due to our sin. Crone and
whore, bossy and loud; battle-axe and tart,
frigid and shrew. They called us witches to cover 
our screams, they called us witches to hide 
our power. They called us witches to spread myth, 
they called us witches to dispel our magic. Strong
and independent, courageous and true; brave and
united, nurturer and proud. They call us witches?
A name begets importance. We call them, nothing.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace