The Kinship of Women

"Any woman who sews or knits, or weaves,

blends colors in a tapestry or creates a patchwork quilt,

knows by the feel that a single thread is weak,

but the weaving, the blending,

the intertwining with many others makes it strong.

Any woman alone without friends to sustain her,

to nurture and support, to hold with loving arms,

like a single thread, is weak, but the weaving,

the loving, the nurturing of others,

the networks of friendship make her strong.  

--"Barbara" 1994 "The Kinship of Women" 

Contributed by Prudence Kinley Ruth in Pennsylvania