My older sister was my helper and chauffeur while I was healing from shoulder surgery after my accident. I could not have done anything without her love and support and help.
My younger sister has been a professor of Modern History. She has written two books. She is absolutely brilliant.
Hi Gloria!!! You are much much more than what you think you are. You have prepared your whole life for these days. Louis Borges spoke at Briwn years ago, an
Boudica comes to mind. Myra Bradwell comes to mind and so many others in recent times. There are good reasons why men name storms, ships, planes and mountains after women. And, even more good reasons why the dearest desires of their hearts are carved into stone or otherwise monumental ized in bigger than life, robust bronze. For example, Lady Liberty in NY Harbor, Lady Freedom on top of the Capitol building and the three monuments of Lady Justice at the US Supreme Court building. Get the picture? We love you ladies for your steadfast demand for goodness, your strength of heart and your courage in overcoming the daunting vicissitudes of life. Ladies you have our love and respect. Power on!
Thanks, Tom. You are a guiding light for me and I value your courage in these tumultuous times. We either fight or take flight. You are fighting. I am fighting.
Gloria, this isn’t just a poem—it’s a ledger of courage, an anthem written in the footsteps of those who refused to be erased. Reading it, I felt not only the weight of legacy but the pulse of what it means to carry it forward. These aren’t just names—they are stars in our storm sky, and you’ve lit them up so we can chart our course by their fire.
Each stanza felt like a reminder: we’re not alone, we’re not new, and we’re not done. “Stormborn” isn’t just a title—it’s a lineage, and I feel honored to stand in it beside you.
Thank you for continuing to rise, and for reminding us that resistance is not just necessary—it is inherited, it is collective, and it is fierce.
Crystal-Lee and Gloria Horton-Young (She who stirs the storm!) -- Especially poignant is the situation of women in Afghanistan and Iran.
Not only Mahsa Amini, but Iran has just sentenced to death a poet, Peyman Farahavar -- who writes under the name, "Sheyda".
You mention one of the most beloved, Gwen Ifill.
Her cousin is Sherrilyn Ifill, who carries on a mighty civil-rights battle in these evil times of oppression. Ms. Ifill is Professor of Law, Howard University, and is President and Director-Counsel Emeritus of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund:
Elizabeth Murray created sculptures of plastic-art that are deeply moving in colors, sometimes cartoon-like characters, musical notes, covering a good part of the museum wall. Beautiful. Funny.
Poignant.
Some of the most hopeful art is actually a depiction of her mind and spirit in cancer.
My God, what Elizabeth Murray creates is a joyful, poignant, tragic, funny plastic-art you see; you look at; you carefully examine; you take momentary joy and humor; you see pictures of pain or sorrow; you are filled with the beauty of color, of music.
And you look.
And you examine.
And you remember.
And you want more.
The only exhibitions of Elizabeth Murray I have been privileged to see are in the National Museum of Art and the Phillips Gallery on Dupont Circle.
Visit the National Gallery of Art before the announced renaming of the Institution as The Trump-Orange-MEGAPALACE and purged of arts by "DEI" -- you know, women, blacks, Latinos, First-Nation, Immigrants, Chinese --- Trump's primary targets. Look at how Orange-Narcissist has made a wreck of the Kennedy Center. How long can the National Gallery of Art withstand Trump's gaze?
You named some of the best, Gloria. In my early twenties I worked at a place called world fellowship and met many radical women who shocked me awake. One was one of the authors of Our Bodies Ourselves. Her mother lived her unlived life at 60 with yoga, healing her body and became unapologetic after a caged life.
My mother… by leaving an abusive relationship…
Thank you for this potent tribute to women who step out of line and roar for humanity.
I add my daughter her is a proud young lesbian just social worker.
My first wife, Pinky…strong as a horse, solid as a rock & ready to undertake any crazy project I could dream up…including adopting two children from Latin America. And my second wife, Margo…sinewy strength, quiet assurance & willingness to trust.
And also you, Gloria, whom I just recently met on this page, with your steely, feistiness & beautiful way with words.
When I first read, “She who questions power rewrites history,” I paused. Not because I couldn’t think of anyone—but because the names that came felt complex, layered, even painful.
Not many women from my German upbringing come easily to mind—though a few did stand tall. A politician here, a proud, openly queer comedian and actress there. But then came a name I didn’t expect: my mother’s.
Yes, she wounded me. Yes, her behavior toward me often undermined who I was. And still, she was a trailblazer—a woman on the cover of Stern in 1974 for declaring “I have aborted,” part of a public protest to change Germany’s abortion laws. She served on our town council. She supported immigrants when it wasn’t popular. And she passed down a fighting spirit… even if she also tried to extinguish it in me.
Then there’s my grandmother. A war widow at 27, raising two young children alone. She became a doctor’s secretary, financially independent, emotionally fierce, intellectually equal to the man she later chose to love—but never to follow. She never once bowed.
I carry them both in me. And today, reading this poem, I find myself claiming the parts of them that made resistance possible—not just for themselves, but maybe, now, through me.
Who do you carry? Let’s name them—flawed, real, and brave.
My mother, among others. And her sister, my aunt Rose.
As for contemporary women, AOC and Ayanna Pressley (one of my state's Representatives) stand out. Not to mention my state's woman Senator, Elizabeth Warren.
I love this tribute to “difficult” women. One of my favorite is Katherine Hepburn. Ahhhh what a gal.
So many of my favorite quotes are from her:
“ Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then”
“ Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything”
And this is my favorite story of all about her:
“ When the costume department at RKO stole her slacks (because they found slacks to be uncouth and boyish), Hepburn walked around the studio in her underwear, refusing to put her clothes on until she got her pants back. "If you obey all the rules," she said, "you miss all the fun."
A true artist and an unlikely Hollywood star, she continued to flee media attention and fame for most of her life: "Once a crowd chased me for an autograph. 'Beat it,' I said, 'go sit on a tack!' 'We made you,' they said. 'Like hell you did,' I told them."
My mother who had 9 children and 12 pregnancies. She went back to work after my dad lost his job at Motorola. She was raped & never told any one about it until the late 80’s. My mother was incredible!
Women, powerful, strong, intelligent, capable, steady, Tinder passionate compassion, brave filled with all things right and fine and beautiful. I love us. I’m 80 and I’m filled with love for the women in my world. I am so in all of the young women today because they are so filled with the bravery to go on to leadto teach love to help thank you women
Your name must be included in this list of women’s names, whose voices and words and actions are the RECKONING!
We are women, HEAR US ROAR
Yes. One voice is a whisper, all of our voices--defeatening! Annette, Who are women in your life you consider heroes?
My sisters are my heroes. 💜
My older sister was my helper and chauffeur while I was healing from shoulder surgery after my accident. I could not have done anything without her love and support and help.
My younger sister has been a professor of Modern History. She has written two books. She is absolutely brilliant.
Hi Gloria!!! You are much much more than what you think you are. You have prepared your whole life for these days. Louis Borges spoke at Briwn years ago, an
Boudica comes to mind. Myra Bradwell comes to mind and so many others in recent times. There are good reasons why men name storms, ships, planes and mountains after women. And, even more good reasons why the dearest desires of their hearts are carved into stone or otherwise monumental ized in bigger than life, robust bronze. For example, Lady Liberty in NY Harbor, Lady Freedom on top of the Capitol building and the three monuments of Lady Justice at the US Supreme Court building. Get the picture? We love you ladies for your steadfast demand for goodness, your strength of heart and your courage in overcoming the daunting vicissitudes of life. Ladies you have our love and respect. Power on!
I totally agree. I'm sure their are many others deserving of such praise, but just now Michelle Obama comes to mind.
Yes. I will add her name. Thank you, John.
Really excellent, Gloria.
Thanks, Tom. You are a guiding light for me and I value your courage in these tumultuous times. We either fight or take flight. You are fighting. I am fighting.
Gloria, this isn’t just a poem—it’s a ledger of courage, an anthem written in the footsteps of those who refused to be erased. Reading it, I felt not only the weight of legacy but the pulse of what it means to carry it forward. These aren’t just names—they are stars in our storm sky, and you’ve lit them up so we can chart our course by their fire.
Each stanza felt like a reminder: we’re not alone, we’re not new, and we’re not done. “Stormborn” isn’t just a title—it’s a lineage, and I feel honored to stand in it beside you.
Thank you for continuing to rise, and for reminding us that resistance is not just necessary—it is inherited, it is collective, and it is fierce.
—Jay
Thank you! Jay, what woman in your life is battleborn? How did or does she influence you?
Crystal-Lee and Gloria Horton-Young (She who stirs the storm!) -- Especially poignant is the situation of women in Afghanistan and Iran.
Not only Mahsa Amini, but Iran has just sentenced to death a poet, Peyman Farahavar -- who writes under the name, "Sheyda".
You mention one of the most beloved, Gwen Ifill.
Her cousin is Sherrilyn Ifill, who carries on a mighty civil-rights battle in these evil times of oppression. Ms. Ifill is Professor of Law, Howard University, and is President and Director-Counsel Emeritus of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund:
https://www.naacpldf.org/about-us/staff/sherrilyn-ifill/
Ms. Ifill is one that I especially look towards for effective, principle-driven opposition.
Thank you, Armand for highlighting these amazing, strong, brave women. They are torch bearers. Tell me about women you have impacted your life.
Crystal-Lee, Gloria Horton-Young (she who STIRS the STORM!): That would take a 500-page book . . .
Let me here just name one.
Elizabeth Murray.
https://elizabethmurrayart.org/news/exhibition-news-elizabeth-murray-opening-at-gladstone-galley
Elizabeth Murray created sculptures of plastic-art that are deeply moving in colors, sometimes cartoon-like characters, musical notes, covering a good part of the museum wall. Beautiful. Funny.
Poignant.
Some of the most hopeful art is actually a depiction of her mind and spirit in cancer.
My God, what Elizabeth Murray creates is a joyful, poignant, tragic, funny plastic-art you see; you look at; you carefully examine; you take momentary joy and humor; you see pictures of pain or sorrow; you are filled with the beauty of color, of music.
And you look.
And you examine.
And you remember.
And you want more.
The only exhibitions of Elizabeth Murray I have been privileged to see are in the National Museum of Art and the Phillips Gallery on Dupont Circle.
Visit the National Gallery of Art before the announced renaming of the Institution as The Trump-Orange-MEGAPALACE and purged of arts by "DEI" -- you know, women, blacks, Latinos, First-Nation, Immigrants, Chinese --- Trump's primary targets. Look at how Orange-Narcissist has made a wreck of the Kennedy Center. How long can the National Gallery of Art withstand Trump's gaze?
We have to find a way to stop the maniac.
When a regime starts executing the poets, you know they are in big trouble.....
Yes. And, arresting mayors and judges.
You named some of the best, Gloria. In my early twenties I worked at a place called world fellowship and met many radical women who shocked me awake. One was one of the authors of Our Bodies Ourselves. Her mother lived her unlived life at 60 with yoga, healing her body and became unapologetic after a caged life.
My mother… by leaving an abusive relationship…
Thank you for this potent tribute to women who step out of line and roar for humanity.
I add my daughter her is a proud young lesbian just social worker.
Prajna, What a wonderful experience you had. Kudos to you and your daughter.
My first wife, Pinky…strong as a horse, solid as a rock & ready to undertake any crazy project I could dream up…including adopting two children from Latin America. And my second wife, Margo…sinewy strength, quiet assurance & willingness to trust.
And also you, Gloria, whom I just recently met on this page, with your steely, feistiness & beautiful way with words.
Thank you so much, Kathy, for sharing your heroes with us. ❤️
Both my grandmothers, widowed young with young children. Raised them. Neither remarried.
Outspoken, determined, would never tolerate being silenced.
Grandmothers were Gods in my family.
Storm-tossed women are emerging as today’s heroes!
I certainly hope so, Diane.
When I first read, “She who questions power rewrites history,” I paused. Not because I couldn’t think of anyone—but because the names that came felt complex, layered, even painful.
Not many women from my German upbringing come easily to mind—though a few did stand tall. A politician here, a proud, openly queer comedian and actress there. But then came a name I didn’t expect: my mother’s.
Yes, she wounded me. Yes, her behavior toward me often undermined who I was. And still, she was a trailblazer—a woman on the cover of Stern in 1974 for declaring “I have aborted,” part of a public protest to change Germany’s abortion laws. She served on our town council. She supported immigrants when it wasn’t popular. And she passed down a fighting spirit… even if she also tried to extinguish it in me.
Then there’s my grandmother. A war widow at 27, raising two young children alone. She became a doctor’s secretary, financially independent, emotionally fierce, intellectually equal to the man she later chose to love—but never to follow. She never once bowed.
I carry them both in me. And today, reading this poem, I find myself claiming the parts of them that made resistance possible—not just for themselves, but maybe, now, through me.
Who do you carry? Let’s name them—flawed, real, and brave.
—Jay, Germany
Mothers are complicated.
That is the understatement of the year.
My mother, among others. And her sister, my aunt Rose.
As for contemporary women, AOC and Ayanna Pressley (one of my state's Representatives) stand out. Not to mention my state's woman Senator, Elizabeth Warren.
Yes, David. All extraordinary women. Thank you
And thank you Gloria, for this eloquent poem celebrating courageous, accomplished women!
I love this tribute to “difficult” women. One of my favorite is Katherine Hepburn. Ahhhh what a gal.
So many of my favorite quotes are from her:
“ Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then”
“ Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything”
And this is my favorite story of all about her:
“ When the costume department at RKO stole her slacks (because they found slacks to be uncouth and boyish), Hepburn walked around the studio in her underwear, refusing to put her clothes on until she got her pants back. "If you obey all the rules," she said, "you miss all the fun."
A true artist and an unlikely Hollywood star, she continued to flee media attention and fame for most of her life: "Once a crowd chased me for an autograph. 'Beat it,' I said, 'go sit on a tack!' 'We made you,' they said. 'Like hell you did,' I told them."
She was definitely a firebrand. And, I hope I have a drop of her spunk!
And….. may we not ever forget the fabulous Andrea Gibson, poet extraordinaire.
Yes! YES!
“Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's fervor, challenging the guise.
Jasmine Crockett, with wit and might…” Unfortunately these two women are far more sympathetic to the men in dresses than to the sisterhood.
Brava Gloria!
My mother who had 9 children and 12 pregnancies. She went back to work after my dad lost his job at Motorola. She was raped & never told any one about it until the late 80’s. My mother was incredible!
Women, powerful, strong, intelligent, capable, steady, Tinder passionate compassion, brave filled with all things right and fine and beautiful. I love us. I’m 80 and I’m filled with love for the women in my world. I am so in all of the young women today because they are so filled with the bravery to go on to leadto teach love to help thank you women
Cheryl, I agree with you wholeheartedly.