the hang of poetry

“There is a Haitian saying which might upset the aesthetic images of most women. Nou lèd, Nou la, it says. We are ugly, but we are here. Like the modesty that is somewhat common in Haitian culture, this saying makes a deeper claim for poor Haitian women than maintaining beauty, be it skin deep or otherwise. For most of us, what is worth celebrating is the fact that we are here, that we against all the odds exist. To the women who might greet each other with this saying when they meet along the countryside, the very essence of life lies in survival. It is always worth reminding our sisters that we have lived yet another day to answer the roll call of an often painful and very difficult life.” -Edwidge Danticat-

How are we today, sister? -We are ugly, but we are here.

Be strong, you never know who you are inspiring.