Women's History Month - Part 2: The Fiercest Fire

Written by: Holly Dowdy

Sparked by the prompt to write about an inspiring woman for Women’s History Month, I inevitably wrote about my mother, Dana, who deserves every moment of joy she’s ever had. She didn't stumble upon her place in the world, she kicked the door in and demanded it was hers. This poem is for my fiery mother, to honor her for every bonfire she’s lit along the way.

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The Fiercest Fire

Holly Dowdy

To honor women is to honor you,

She who loved me before I knew,

Who suffered nine months ‘til I was due,

And loved me fierce as fire.

You taught me to walk and to hold a spoon,

That wearing green will clash with maroon,

And not to worry, we’ll be there soon,

While loving me fierce as fire.

You moved away when I was a teen,

When I was young, when I was mean,

My words were sharp and heart unclean,

But your resolve was fierce as fire.

As years passed by your business grew,

I tossed my cap and then I knew,

That the motive for everything you do,

Is always fierce as fire.

Fresh from the nest my health unwound,

But through the haze I knew your sound,

And as I died our hands were bound,

Healing me fierce as fire.

You pushed me through my darkest days,

A watchful mother remained unfazed,

Whose warrior heart rekindled the blaze,

You shared your fiercest fire.

Since those times we’ve become close friends,

Like loving each other all over again,

A fearless spirit we share akin,

Fueled as fierce as fire.

But now you face a dim unknown,

Fright of the ‘C’ word firmly sewn,

Though long as I live you are never alone,

It cannot survive our fire.

My life is shaped by the lessons you taught,

My courage inspired by the battles you’ve fought,

My character forged by a love burning hot,

I love you as fierce as fire.

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