Their Stories
“(There are) many stories which are not on paper, they are written in the bodies and minds of women.”
— Amrita Pritam
Browse the archives, finger-brush ancient tablets
looking for their names—
you may find a few,
the chattel and relicts of men,
repositories of seeds, like the Earth,
their roots in deep-time connection,
they whisper stories–
conquest, war-spoils, love, and loss,
their children, don’t forget.
A double dVerse challenge:
a poem inspired by a line from the work of Punjabi poet Amrita Pritam, and a quadrille (44-word poem ) containing the word “browse.”
Some of you know I’m a historian. I’ve spent a lot of time in archives trying to uncover women’s stories.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
I love this! My mother would have loved it as well. As soon as I started reading it, I was reminded of a conversation she’d had with me along the same lines.
Thank you, Liz.
That’s so interesting that it reminded you of a conversation you had had with your mom!
You’re welcome, Merril. I do appreciate being reminded of those conversations!
❤️
Women, the greatest casualty of history! I love this written from a historian’s perspective, Merril.
Thank you very much, Punam!
You are so welcome.
I love how you wrote this from a historian point of view. Those archives whisper and tell of many stories for sure.
Thank you very much, Grace.
Really enjoyed this!
This is a wonderful installment of your beautiful poetry and a good response to the prompt all in one, dear Merril. 😊
Thank you so much! 😊
The names may be forgotten, but the roots are strong. (K)
We hope so!
Reblogged this on Reena Saxena and commented:
Their stories …. by Merril D. Smith
Thank you so much!
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Thank you!
I also love the point of view from where you wrote it. xx Michael
Thank you so much, Michael! 💙
My Mum was a reliable family historian until her last few years
It’s great you had her for that, Derrick, with your remarkable family history!
Beautifully penned! ❤
Thank you very much! 💙
No matter how far we have come, we are still regarded as ‘property’ 😢
So very true. 😢🤬
A great write, Merril! Every time I need information about a generation or two in the past, I think of my mother and her sisters (gone now) and wish I could ask. So much more there was to learn about the women in my family tree.
Thank you, Helen!
Mine, too. Both my grandmothers died when I was a toddler, and nearly everyone of my mom’s generation is gone now, too. I wish I had asked more about life before they came to the US.
Merril this resonates and rings my soul — superb writing my friend, just excellent! ✌🏼❤️
Thank you so much, Rob!
Your poetry sends me to places I’ve never been, or I’ve been, but not stayed long enough. Thank you for your talent and your intensity of feeling. I LOVED River Ghosts and reviewed on Amazon and Goodreads.
Thank you for such kind words, Pam–and also for reading and commenting on River Ghosts! 💙💙
I love the quote you’ve chosen, and your take on it, Merril!
Thank you very much, Ingrid!
Beautiful little piece for meditation about..
Thank you very much, Ain.
Sorry I mised this one, Merril. Beautifully done from one who has seen and studied women’s histories.
Thank you for coming back to find this one. 😊
🙂 Glad I did.
🙂