A woman stands on a mountain peak, having climbed there on her own.

Each step was forged in her community; her workplace and her home.

The Air is Fresh - The view is clear - She sits on nature’s throne.

She’s ready to tell her story, and she finds she’s all alone.

All the things she nurtured, learned from and released have filled her up with wisdom

just when all the questioners ceased.

The silence she has longed for embraces her and soothes,

“You have earned this respite. Now your time is yours to use.”

…

“But”, she shouts aloud, “I’ve had enough of RESPITE! I don’t want to pack it in!

I’m just now feeling comfortable and HAPPY in my skin!!!

I feel so damned invisible! Who can even see me from up here?!?!

I have advice and art and love and rage I need to share!!!!!!!”

…

“Woman, me too!”

“And Me!!”

“And Me!!!”

“Giiiirrrrrllll, you better PREACH!!!!!” echoed out from every ridge

And sailed across the mist-filled coves as far as sound could reach

“Then, let’s all meet!” she shouts at them with all the power she has.

“We’ll share our mountains’ lessons and offer up a source for women of all ages to join in the discourse.

The world may have forgotten we are out here on our own,

shielded by the walls we’ve built from the love and loss we’ve known.

But we’re still full of fire as our bodies transform again

and we still have a part to play in this world of angry men.”

“We’re In!” - “Yes, Ma’am!!” - “Just tell me where and when!!!” The RSVP’s roll on and on.

Amazed at her forthrightness and the voices calling out,

She picks up her smartphone and promptly texts her mom.

They’ve got to find a place to hold the congregating crowd of depreciated souls

Who are feeling shooting sparks of heat igniting brand new goals.

Now she visits her mountain peak to write and dance and stitch

And celebrate the day she became the very first Pisgah Witch.