Three Sisters

By luigi_pagano

Mon, 22 May 2017
  • 2220 reads
8 comments
 
Had I been asked to suggest
the names of iconic women
I would’ve been hard pressed
to put my brain into gear.
I knew that I’d fail the test
because of my innate fear
of putting my head
on the block.
 
I’d be too embarrassed
to say that I wasn’t a fan
of Diana, Marylyn, Jane,  
long-legged beauties
and glamorous stars
with come hither eyes
that my friends had chosen
to be their pin-ups.
 
I could not tell my mates
that I admired ladies
erudite and cerebral
and that my heroines
were three sisters,
poets and novelists,
whose nom-de-plume
was Bell.
 
Disguised as male authors
they defied the prejudice
and disdain of misogynists
who looked askance
on women writers
and their genius flourished
despite the adversity
caused by that stance.

© Luigi Pagano 2017

I.P. Iconic women

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

That's very neatly written, Luigi. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Your observation is, as always, appreciated, Rhiannon. Thanks.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

Well said Luigi - a very fitting choice of icon!

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks for your feedback insert. Although my preference ultimately rests with the Brontes we must also appreciate other female writers who adopted male identities - George Eliot, George Sand etc. - whose talent is praiseworthy.

Best, Luigi.

 

Submitted by catherine poarch on

A good choice! They are fascinating and I enjoyed this.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

So glad you enjoyed the poem, Catherine, and thanks for letting me know.

Best wishes, Luigi.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

It has to be said that when it comes to the I P, you always manage to come up with a significant poem Luigi. Well done on this one.

Jenny. xx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Dear Jenny, I must admit that we were spoilt for choice as it has been demonstrated by the large number of entries submitted and the variety of opinions of each author.
Nowadays we take for granted the freedom that women have fought hard to achieve in the field of art and literature and find it incomprehensible that at one time they were unable to show us their talent and had to resort to a subterfuge so that we could enjoy and appreciate their writings.
The I.P. and Poetry Monthly are significant sources of inspiration for me.

Luigi xx