Tree

A friend invited me to an exhibit a while back about the different works of women throughout history. Initially, I wasn't really interested in going and told him, "I already know what they're gonna show and talk about. Women empowerment blahblahblah I get it. I'm all for it. I don't need to go to another one of those shows to be 'inspired' or whatever." After a whooole lot of convincing, I gave in and finally went. I vaguely remember seeing a lot of cool stuff. But the only one I will never forget was the poem below with the image of a woman with outstretched arms, so carefree, and peaceful. She had a tattoo done on her right chest after many months of healing and wrote about her story.

I am no longer afraid of mirrors where I see the sign of the amazon,

The one who shoots arrows.

There was a fine red line across my chest where a knife entered,

But now a branch winds about the scar and travels from arm to heart.

Green leaves cover the branch, grapes hang there and a bird appears.

What grows in me now is vital and does not cause me harm.

I think the bird is singing.

I have relinquished some of the scars.

I have designed my chest with the care given to an illuminated manuscript.

I am no longer ashamed to make love.

Love is a battle I can win.

I have the body of a warrior who does not kill or wound.

On the book of my body, I have permanently inscribed a tree.

- Deena Metzger, Tree, Photograph by Hella Hammid

For all the brave women who continue to fight breastcancer.

You are awesome.