January 15, 2004
THE GODDESS HOLDS US
by Joyce Meadows
Every day I hear them.
Women calling in crisis, in despair, in loneliness.
I listen to their thoughts, their fear, their anger.
And I cling to my belief, the Goddess holds us.The phone becomes a lifeline.
A call to a number scrawled on a bathroom wall.
Voice shaking, emotions barely contained, her strength prevails.
And I think to myself, the Goddess holds us.And sometimes, the calls are different.
The voice more confident, safety found, insight achieved.
A heartfelt thank you from across the miles.
And now I celebrate, the Goddess holds us.
Joyce Meadows is a feminist anthropologist and domestic violence hotline advocate.