A few weeks ago I joined with some friends to share poetry with each other for inspiration and to feed our souls. This one, sent by the daughter of its author, is so potent and rich I wanted to share it with you because sometimes we forget that every win, big and small, is also for those that came before us and made our journey possible.
Girl Gymnast for China
Exultant, poised on strong and supple feet,
I land with free-flung arms above my head.
But the surge of lithe well-being is bittersweet
When I think of you, restrained and limited.
Great-grandmother, China’s doll, with feet so bound
They never grew but tottered on unbending soles
Throughout your fettered years, the cheers resound
For you — as we together gain our goals.
With me you run and jump and spring through air,
Forgetting crippled feet, brocaded weight.
Of gown, impediment of high-piled hair.
Come, share this medal. Come, let’s celebrate!
For you in bindings, Chinese girl of old —
For you, my ancestor, I claim this gold.
~ Pauline Durrett Robertson
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