In late May, the Junior League of Washington hosted a “Night of Poetry and Prose” for the women at Calvary. A stage, coupled with dim lights, coffee, and treats made for a fun special event for Calvary residents.

One by one, participating women went up to the front to share their innermost thoughts and feelings – some happy, some sad. They had been working on their own personal poems with the help of their Creative Writing class with Danielle Henry and Writing Workshop with the Junior League of Washington to prepare.

Women who chose poetry as their form of self-expression but didn’t have the undivided attention of an audience during previous classes were finally able to get in the spotlight. Mouths dropped open when the talent emerged. One woman shared this poem, and now I would like to share it with you as well:

My Granddaughter
Is the apple of my eye.
She is so sweet just like Grandma’s
Sweet potatoe pie.
With her little fingers and her little toes
Who would ever knew she would have the
Cutest little nose.
With her big brown eyes and
Long black hair
When she dances she reminds me of
Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.
When she smile she lights up
The sky that’s why she’s the
Apple of my eye.

While this poem is light-hearted, not all were. Some poems shared were deep; about inner-conflicts, hopes for the future, and past traumas.

That night it was evident that Calvary, with the help of an amazing team of volunteers, has created a safe space where women can be open, share their past freely, and feel the power of speaking out. For many women, a cathartic moment of self-expression proves to be an important therapeutic step in moving forward towards a better future.

Thank you to the Junior League of Washington for making this evening possible!