‘Portrait as Sisterhood’ Published at Visual Verse!

Portrait As Sisterhood Published at Visual Verse!

I am delighted to share my poem, Portrait as Sisterhood, is published at Visual Verse! This month marks the 9th Volume and 1st Chapter of Visual Verse’s online anthology, 8th birthday edition. I am proud to be part of it alongside pages of talented writing.

This month’s photo challenge features the artwork of Frederick Cayley Robinson. I originally thought the women portrayed were probably Quaker girls but, in researching the artist, I discovered the featured art is but a small portion of a much larger painting entitled “Acts of Mercy: Orphans I”. The painting is part of the Acts of Mercy series Frederick Cayley Robinson is most famous for. The series is four paintings on canvas that depict scenes from the Middlesex Hospital, 1915-20 and the two women portrayed in Visual Verse’s image are, in fact, orphan girls.

I do not consider myself a feminist, but this month’s photo challenge suggested stories of the battle’s many women have fought over the centuries and the many contributions they have made to help shape the world all without credit or acknowledgement in history.

I thought of the pioneer woman, the genteel, cultured lady, and the teen housewife all before asking who exists under the guise of womanhood? Who, truly, is the woman? Is she fierce and bold, angry, and passionate, icy, or bitter? What has she hidden to be a woman of her times?

Woman has held up the world. She has helped shape, build, and nurture it. She has certainly helped to define today’s myths, legends, etiquette, morals, and values not only by advocating but by living.

My poem seeks to show the strength of women and the spirit with which many a pioneer wife and bride of arranged marriage faced the unknown. I believe woman’s presence and companionship add a quality to tales starring men that the masculine cannot embody alone.

The following is an excerpt of my poem, Portrait as Sisterhood.  

Sweet we are

Butter cookie crumbles in your mouth


The sugar granules dare


Catch between your teeth


Force you to slow down


Feel each icicle slide along your ribs
. . . please continue reading here and feel free to share your beautiful thoughts!

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39 Comments

  1. Kelly Diane

    This is a lovely piece. I love the historic element that lies behind it.

  2. Kate

    Congratulations on having your work published, that’s amazing! 🙂

  3. loveemblogger

    What a gorgeous poem, I love the way you write! I think this piece was wonderful and really focuses on the spirit of women. Thank you for sharing! Em x

  4. ankevandermerwe

    What an beautiful poem! your truly have a talent for words.

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you for your kind words!

  5. Susan1375 [sparkling magpie]

    Love how your poem focuses upon women’s strength. The depth of feeling and intensity of your words is amazing. The fact that you base your poem on artwork makes it even more unique.

  6. Heidi Bruaw

    Absolutely beautiful! As always, you have such a way with words. Your poem definitely showcases the strength of women!

  7. Her Digital Coffee

    Congratulations Jaya! ‘Portrait as Sisterhood’ contains such an empowering and strong message. I love the nature references, especially “storms we are if you are thunder we are tornados.” Very powerful and lovely words. Thanks for sharing.

  8. Jeff Flesch

    This poem showcases the strength and resolve of Woman; and does great justice to women everywhere. Beautiful poem, Jaya. Congrats on the pub!

  9. Corinne

    I love this, and the photo. It’s such an interesting task to write a piece based on a picture!

    Corinne x

  10. Giulia

    Now that I read all of it, I love it! Such a women’s lit piece. Thank you!

  11. Giulia

    Just wanted to say, before I click the link to read the rest of your poem, that your opening is so strong 🙂

  12. Eri Tz

    This is a strong piece Jaya. It makes me think and it evokes emotions. To me it feels like it holds the women history, the disappointment, the struggles, the fights, the beauty of the feminine, the power of motherhood. I understand why Michelle thought about women of her life. I did too.
    You made my day with this. Thank you!

    1. Jaya Avendel

      I am delighted and moved by your read! Thank you for sharing.

  13. Dominic Alapat

    A really beautiful poem! I loved its power, its sound and its depth! Your poem is strong, and in its own small way, restores respect and dignity to women! Great read!

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you so much, Dominic!

      1. Dominic Alapat

        You’re most welcome Jaya!

  14. Unwanted Life

    The opening verse reminded of nursery rhyme, “What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice, and all things nice. That’s what little girls are made of” but the rest seems to take a rather darker turn that reminds me of the abuse a lot of women have had to endure over the centuries, which is why they’re deserving of honour. Great poem

  15. Charity

    Congratulations! That is so exciting and so well deserved!

  16. HackettHillFarm

    Such a beautiful piece! Congratulations on being published!! So excited for you!

  17. Priti

    Beautiful poem so emotional with memories ! Thank you for sharing 🎉💕

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you for enjoying my piece!

      1. Priti

        My pleasure 🙂💓🌹God bless you 🙂💓☺

      2. Isa A

        I clicked the link and read. It’s great!!! You talk about their work routines and then their insides. What they go through every minutes while doing their chores. Loved the imagery!! Xxx
        Also, I have been meaning to look up some writing paying markets but haven’t come across one. Will do the research again. Xx
        Isa A. Blogger
        https://www.lifestyleprism.com/

        1. Jaya Avendel

          Thank you for your amazing read!
          Best of luck with your research too.

  18. Daphny Aqua

    Congratulations Jaya 🥳
    Your poem was amazing and you did justice to very women out here, kuddos to you. I love the intensity and the depth of the poem ❣️

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you, Daphny!

      1. Daphny Aqua

        You’re most welcome!

  19. barbaraleaver

    Congratulations!’ Beautiful survivors laid bare’ – These 4 words embody women across the world

  20. Ingrid

    I love this poem, Jaya, one of my favourites of yours! I like the varied repetition of the opening line which really drives home your message.

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Thank you for your lovely read, Ingrid!

  21. Michele Lee

    Jaya, your poem made me feel a range of emotions. Your poem also made me think about my mom and her six sisters, growing up on a farm in Arkansas. Oh, the stories! Laughter, the defense against a difficult life. The line, “Feel each icicle slide along your ribs” portrays pain and sweetness so beautifully. I enjoyed reading your intro. I am so proud of you!

    1. Jaya Avendel

      Michele, I love your read and how it evoked such personal memories! Thank you for sharing. <3

      1. Michele Lee

        My pleasure! 💐

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