When Women Were Birds | Terry Tempest Williams
“Women with death-eyes are fearless”.
This story, about a woman whose late Mother bequeathed her 42 empty journals after dying from breast cancer, is poetic and insightful. Central to the narrative is her journey to understand and find the meaning of voice, owning one’s voice, especially for women, whose expressions are unique within the structures of society often bent to curb them from being too loud. I felt empowered and also intimidated by Williams’ words. Empowered because I was reminded of the power of voice, reflecting on my own narrative arch in coming into my own, but also intimidated by the perceived reality that I am not fearless though I have death-eyes. I have witnessed death, also of my Mother to breast cancer, and so often my impulse never manifests. Williams acts on the strong impulse to save the earth she is deeply connected to, not just by fervent thoughts, but by tangible action. In other words, birds are metaphor and reality, simultaneously. I fearlessly love that and want to see what my impulse looks like outside of my mind.
I need an entire piece for this book, I think.
[Book of Delights pg. 22 | No. 7 Praying Mantis]