they shut us in the parlor

They shut Us in the Parlor —

To keep the Spirit still —

But can You put a Ribbon on —

The working of the Will?

The World — expects a Gentle Form —

Of Silence — and of Lace —

But Vesuvius — wears a Quiet Snow —

Upon Her sleeping Face —

A Power — that is Gossamer —

Is heavier — than Bone —

It weaves a Web across the Earth —

While Emperors — succumb —

We do not need a Trumpet’s Voice —

To make the Cosmos hear —

The steady Beating of the Heart —

Outlasts the Hemisphere —

for international women's day 2026