What do I know of power?
I cannot fathom its texture or dimensions
Is it loud?
Does it growl….or shake its fists at passers-by?
No, I do not know power
But… I do know survival
It’s staying one step ahead of my fears
It’s me…polishing my weapons of fortitude and patience
It’s me… holding my shield of faith at the ready
It’s me
….empowered to survive
©Vivian Zems
Smell The Coffee 
March 20, 2019 at 5:34 pm
Brilliant.
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March 20, 2019 at 7:29 pm
great questions, Viv, especially:
‘Is it loud?
Does it growl….or shake its fists at passers-by?’
And your answers make total sense. Keep polishing those trusty weapons of fortitude and patience, and hold on to that shield of faith. I think we’re going to need them in the not too distant future.
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March 20, 2019 at 7:46 pm
Yes, we are experienced in survival. We are stronger than we know. I love this poem, espcially your closing lines.
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March 20, 2019 at 8:22 pm
This is beautiful! I love the courage in “It’s me… holding my shield of faith at the ready.” ❤️
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March 20, 2019 at 11:24 pm
“It’s staying one step ahead of my fears” Very clever yes our survival instinct is that strong Love your poem
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March 21, 2019 at 12:10 am
I couldn’t pick just one quote out of this because as a whole it is a gem. And I think it is true that many empowered women wouldn’t understand the concept. They are empowered through action, practically, and without the adornment of labels. Your poem honors them.
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March 23, 2019 at 7:38 pm
Thanks so much Susan😊
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March 21, 2019 at 12:53 am
This is just wonderful. I am so glad I stopped by to read.
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March 21, 2019 at 2:26 am
You’ve put it brilliantly. Empowerment is survival. “It’s staying one step ahead of my fears”—Absolutely.
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March 23, 2019 at 7:40 pm
Thank you Sumana😊
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March 21, 2019 at 4:45 am
Yes, your poem speaks to me. I especially like this line “It’s staying one step ahead of my fears” Well said!
p.s. Congratulations on your recent publication! I actually came here to peek if you have started conversations about it. Well done, looking forward to reading your book, Viv! All the best with promotion. 🙂
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March 23, 2019 at 7:37 pm
Thank you and thank you again n Khaya!🙏🏾😊
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March 21, 2019 at 10:15 am
Never give up Vivian there is always something else to do.
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March 23, 2019 at 7:39 pm
Absolutely 😊
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March 21, 2019 at 5:05 pm
Love the tree-person image!
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March 23, 2019 at 7:38 pm
Thank you 😊
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March 21, 2019 at 6:12 pm
Beautiful written. God Bless
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March 23, 2019 at 7:39 pm
Thank you 🙏🏾
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March 22, 2019 at 10:20 am
Love this,poem The power of faith is a great tool in the survival kit.
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March 23, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Indeed it is! Thank you 😊
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March 22, 2019 at 11:38 pm
Faith, fortitude, and patience—anyone who wields these “weapons” is a person not to be trifled with!
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March 23, 2019 at 7:26 pm
Indeed!💪🏽
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