(written for the original Pussy Hats march after Trump’s inauguration.)

As women gathered on the avenue

with handmade signage, pussy hats galore,

and cam’ras rolling, jostling for a view,

they made their case that they deserved much more.

Much more consideration and respect

and ways to remedy ten thousand hurts, from ancient issues suffering neglect, safe-guarding sacred space beneath their skirts.

So many kept their secrets in a vault

then lost the combination to their souls.

Until their numbers swelled and by default

‘t was safe enough to exit their foxholes.

Once victims, now crusaders armed with skills,

abusers best be heading for the hills.

***

Penny Peyser, aka “Lady Penelope” is an actress / writer / documentary filmmaker living in Los Angeles. Her sonnets have been published in Defenestration , Blood & Bourbon, Page & Spine and Chantwood Magazine among others. Highlights from her acting career include The Hot l Baltimore original production at Circle in the Square, the films All the President’s Men, The InLaws, The Frisco Kid and TV series Rich Man, Poor Man II, The Tony Randall Show, Crazy Like a Fox and Knots Landing. Please visit http://Linktr.ee/penpeyser for all links and to learn about her documentaries Trying to Get Good and Stillpoint. And now Penny has gathered  her sonnets into two book, “Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake. ” and “Sonnets from Suburbia: Romance Dance.”  Pure genius!