One of my favorite poems

This is one of my favorite poems by Alice Walker.  Yes, that Alice Walker of "The Color Purple" fame.  This piece speaks volumes to me on so many levels.  Enjoy and please feel free to leave comments.

Definition of Womanist

Womanist 

1.  From womanish.  (Opp. of “girlish,” i.e., frivolous,

irresponsible, not serious.)  A black feminist or feminist

of color.  From the black folk expression of mothers to

female children, “You acting womanish,”  i.e., like a woman.

Usually referring to outrageous, audacious, courageous or willful

behavior.  Wanting to know more and in greater depth than is considered “good” for one. 

2.  Also: A woman who loves other women, sexually and/or nonsexually.  Appreciates and prefers women’s culture, women’s emotional flexibility (values tears as a natural counterbalance of laughter), and women’s strength.  Sometimes loves individual men, sexually and/or nonsexually.  Committed to survival and wholeness of entire people, male and female.  Not a separatist, except periodically, for health.  Traditionally universalist, as in:

 “Mama, why are we brown, pink, and yellow, and our cousins are white, beige, and black?”  Ans.: “Well, you know the colored race is just like a flower garden, with every color flower represented.” Traditionally capable, as in:  “Mama, I’m walking to Canada and I’m taking you and a bunch of other slaves with me.”  Reply:  “It wouldn’t be the first time.”

3.  Loves music.  Loves dance.  Loves the moon.  Loves the Spirit.  Loves love and food and roundness.  Loves struggle.  Loves the Folk.  Loves herself.  Regardless. 

4.  Womanist is to feminist as purple is to lavender.