I'm a bird
a poem for International Women's Day 2026
Today is International Woman’s Day 2026, and the theme is Give to Gain
I was in my monthly online poetry writing session this morning, That Sunday Morning Thing, hosted by Andy Jukes, where we write a poem in five minutes in response to several chosen and read out. The theme was bird poems written by women.
I immediately thought of many of the names and labels women are given, simple words, but all loaded with meaning. Give to Gain? What do we as women gain from all these and other labels? This poem wormed its way out, and someone asked me to publish it, so here is my offering for #IWD26
I’m a bird.
Love. Darlin'. Slag.
Witch. Goddess. Queen.
Harpy. Feminist. Shrew.
Tits. Whore. Tease.
Bitch. Granny. Spinster.
Wife. Hag. Nag.
Priestess. Seer.
Sheela na Gig.
Sister. Daughter.
Mother. Aunt.
In fact, I’m a wise woman.
I sit in my nest
singing my heart out.
Not caring what names you call me.
As I claim them all
Wishing you well this #IWD26
Love from
Serena xxx