Oil on canvas (90 by 50) by Dianne Lynn Benanti, Palm Springs Branch, California
Dianne Lynn Benanti is a self-taught artist who creates large scale contemporary works as well as traditional portraits. Besides being an artist, she composes music and has written a children’s book. She highlights NLAPW on her website, and says, “I’m very honored to be a part of such a great organization.” Her art, book, poetry and songs can be viewed at www.benanti.com.
Carol Mann is a poet and author in the Palm Springs Branch. Her poem was inspired by Diana Benanti’s painting of the same name.
The Garden of Ethos
Carol Mann, Palm Springs Branch
together we gather in the garden
worried, contemplative
stoic, sad
our world view guiding our thoughts
our life experience
bonding us
sisters they call us
bearers of the oral story
of man and his tradition
of beliefs in a god or not
teachers they call us
bearers of society’s mores
culture, the written word
mothers they call us
bearers of children
nurturers of body, soul
family guide in crisis and joy
daughters they call us
our mothers’ students
learning ways to cope
to keep dreams alive
wives they call us
joined in ceremony
partners through life’s
trials and uncertainties
But mostly they call us women
governors of our own destiny
strong, problem solvers
ever emerging
they call us women
finding strength in our sisters
in times of sadness
finding strength in our sisters
in times of great happiness
finding ways to go on…
Always
Both are fantastic! I’ve long admired Diane’s art and the poem adds yet another dimension.
Thank you! xo 🙂
I love the painting. The poem says it all for the National League of American Pen Women. Well done!
Thank you, Karen. I thought the same….Carol is a brilliant writer. She has a book out with her poems and beautiful watercolors that accompany it…I believe its called ” All Ways A Woman”
I did so enjoy both the art and the poem for capturing the spirit of womanhood and sisterhood. I enjoy being a storyteller, a keeper of culture if you will.
That is why NLAPW is so important!! 🙂 Inspire and empower! Thank you, Sara! 🙂