Truly What It Means To Be A Woman Poem by Mark Heathcote

They've cut more things away, I heard her say
her voice, self-assured, normally - wobbled.
It was a retrospective response to being wounded
deeply hurt, she uttered, I'm less of a woman today
I'm less of a woman now than I was just yesterday.

It was a statement for me. Quite unexpected
I didn't know firstly -what to say, how do you reply?
I sensed her turmoil shared with me over the phone
words that were broadcast like a falling tree in a forest
words spoke a thousand times alone in her mind.

Then she switched - inquired with concern for others.
Those she'd mother to health in her work's daily chores.
Even now, still trying to solve the problems of others
from her own, sickbed this woman's my unsung hero.
The person I instantly call when my life's in turmoil.

The person I touched base with. She was my ground zero.
Whenever I need to find new inner strength, she is the
firewood beneath my phoenix rising from its ashes.
She exemplifies what it truly means to be a woman.
She's got dignity and strength, wit and compassion,

the gentleness of a lamb amidst baying hungry wolves.
She or any other couldn't be more women if they tried.
They've cut things away - I heard her say
They've cut more things away - I heard her say.
She or any other couldn't be more womanly if they tried.
Is all I've got left to say?