This poem, written by a visiting doctora from the U.S., is framed on the wall of Dorothy’s home in Mulukukú.


“For the Women of Mulukukú”

A Prayer/Poem, written in June, ’97
by Jeanette Carter, Internist; Alburquerque, NM


MOTHER GOD, giver of light and life
          to all creatures,
Look with special kindness upon the
          women of Mulukukú.
Hold them close to the breasts that first
          gave them lifesaving richness
Caress their tired bones
          and send a cool breeze
          to revive them in their labors.

Bless the blocks they make
          One by one
          To build their children's future
                    the clinic
                    the school
                    the gathering place

Bless the wood carved by their
          strong muscles
          and delicate fingers
          to build rocking chairs
          that some day they may be able
          to put down their heavy labors
                    and rest
          in the comforting movement....
                    ......back and forth

Bless the health promoters
          women with a vision
          women with knowledge of
                    curative plants
                    modern medicines
                    and healing touch
          women healing women
                    holding their hands
                    during dark hours

Bless Dorothy who gives her
          creative energy
          revolutionary zeal,
          courage to face dangers, and
                    not turn away or
                    desert those she has joined
          boundless energy and conviction
          laughter and joy
          openness to all God’s creatures

Bless Grethel, the poet and mother
          who looks to the future
          and sees endless possibilities
          days of joy and health and equality
          days filled with children
willing to put herself in front of
          whatever forces might try
          to come and change that destiny
willing to light the candle over and over
to bring light to the world
          minute by minute

Bless Noel, the father of his children
          and of the village
Thanksgiving for his generous spirit
His manner of walking lightly and
          persistently through
                    the landmines of life,
          always on a steady course
Yet stopping to reach out a hand
          to help another rise up
          and back onto the path
Thanksgiving for his knowledge
          AND his faith
Bless us, MOTHER GOD,
          as we gather as women
          to celebrate
                              our oneness
                              our joys
                              our fears
That we might hold the women of Mulukukú
Adding our hands and arms
          to those of others
          who are forming a life raft
          to shore them up
          in their struggles
Give us strength and courage
          to love and serve them and you
          with gladness & singleness of heart


Copyright © 1997 by Jeanette Carter, Alburquerque, New Mexico, USA. Permission is granted to post this text on non-commercial internet sites, provided it remains intact and the copyright note is displayed. To publish this text in printed and/or other forms please contact Jill Winegardner at Women's Empowerment Network.

This poem has been posted without permission of the author as we are unable to her at this time. However, we believe that it is in the spirit of the poem that it be posted here, and with the above copyright notice (adapted from Carolyn Scarr's.) [Jeanette, if you see this, please contact me right away and let me know how you feel about this.]

Yours in peace w/justice,
Daniel Zwickel


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