We began as strangers
a sisterhood of the unwilling
initiated by fire, poison, and knife
pushed to the limits of our endurance and back
barely to the bathroom and back.
We now share a boat, a river, a lifeline
creating a fierce and festive flotilla
on a safety net of water and new balance
we savor the synchrony of
20 paddles, clear steer, deep drum.
Never to be who we were
reaching
for more of who we can become
digging deep
in sickness and in health
pulling hard
with hope, humor, and courage
reaching, digging deep, pulling hard.
We paddle in the name of the departed
We paddle in the name of the living
We paddle in the name of our becoming.
By Gail Messier, GoPink!DC Dragon Boat Racing Team
The Annapolis and GoPink!DC dragon boat teams come together after a 2019 race in Baltimore
