C.M. Townsend

A war declared on voices against the grain, unbidden by societal— Enough ! Your words have been said, unclaimed and ignored, dismissed as abrasive, rude, inflammatory— Wrong! An open mouth but no words spoken, a soundless answer, weighed down by the thoughts of others. Cry out for justice, equity— Silence! Unfounded fear and walls, built on hate and hate alone. The vicious divide severs all who oppose, in our wake as we segregate— Know your place! Our voices soar higher, further, loud and proud. Tear down their walls! Stand tall for the right to stand on even ground, to be our equal. Rise above the cries of indifference and spite.  We will not f all as we rise above the cries of those who would silence us!

L and steals not our memory, nor our presence, as time casts our fragile shells aside, the Earth remembers. Footsteps cast in sand, dredged deep as stone resides. For those who walked before us have long since joined the tide. Our voices echo in wisps along the wind, carried through rustling leaves and floating higher, cast far and wide. No, land does not forget-- for we are one and the  same. Our existence  intertwined with  that which gave us form, gave us air, gave us life. For it is true not all can see, unknown are we to all but those held dear and those revered; but time itself sets history a flutter, as shadows linger in the very Earth that nurtured us, now plants the seeds of our memory deep within the hearts of those who wander the Earth anew. For the Earth remembers.               C.M. Townsend

 International Women's Day, 202   Throughout history, many women have been pioneers in their fields. Scientists, mathematicians, philosophers, artists, authors, environmental activists, journalists, and social reformists. These are but a few of the many areas in which women have led and inspired change. There was a time where women could not vote. A time when African Americans and people of colour were held as slaves. There was a time where segregation was rampant throughout society, so much so, people could not use the same toilets, appliances, and were forced to sit at the back of the bus, merely due to the colour of their skin. Change. Change is what took place throughout history to reach a better future. One in which medical advancements have been made, diseases cured, new treatments found, and survival rates increased. A future in which we are treated as equals, in which we can all vote. A future in which language and culture is both preserved and respected. Are we there ...