Not All Mean

By Kate MacAlister

I dig for shelter
in a homespun
endometrial layer

each new moon
like the first rain
each crimson drop
seething in the
songs of
the blood

I mark myself with
the war paint you
made to keep
me small
for
my sisters
are coming
Home
thighs full
of thunder on
shaking ground
Home
to
the night
the streets
the bargaining table

never yours to take
never yours to keep

we reclaim
each of our stars

(a raging red
crown
of conquest)

and despite it all

they still shine for

y o u

Writer, Social justice witch and medical student Kate MacAlister discovered the art of poetry as a healing ritual many years ago. Her poems conjure spell-binding images of intricate inner worlds and the struggles in our contorted society. She tells stories inspired by her work that have been published in various online literary journals and printed anthologies. Whether it is her work in the hospital or fighting the patriarchy: above all these are stories about human connection and the dreams of revolution.

Looking for support writing your book or editing your manuscript?
Learn more at Book Year to work with Megan.