Pause for Peace: Womanifesto

Episode TitleMidweek Pause for Peace: "Womanifesto" by Libba Bray - A Call to ActionEpisode DescriptionJoin Laura Davis for a special edition of Midweek Pause for Peace that breaks from the usual gentle reflections to deliver something designed to rouse and awaken. This week, Laura features "Womanifesto," a fierce and unapologetic poem written by bestselling novelist Libba Bray in 2017.Unlike the typical pairing of nature imagery with contemplative poetry, this episode presents a powerful call for activism - a rallying cry that demands we not look away, but instead channel our anger into action and authentic voice.Featured Poem"Womanifesto" by Libba BrayWritten in 2017Key Themes ExploredReclaiming authentic voice and powerRejecting societal expectations and constraintsTransforming rage into purposeful actionThe cost of silence and performative femininityCollective awakening and sisterhoodBreaking free from internalized oppressionThe power of "unladylike" expressionWhy This Poem Matters NowLaura explains her choice to feature this provocative piece as part of her typically gentle series, emphasizing how sometimes we need to be stirred rather than soothed. The poem serves as a manifesto for women who are ready to shed the "good girl" persona and embrace their full, messy, powerful selves.About the PoetLibba Bray is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her bold, uncompromising voice in both young adult and adult literature. Her acclaimed works include:The Gemma Doyle trilogy (A Great and Terrible Beauty, Rebel Angels, The Sweet Far Thing)Going Bovine (Michael L. Printz Award winner)Beauty Queens (L.A. Times Book Prize finalist)The Diviners seriesUnder the Same StarsOriginally from Texas, Bray now divides her time between New York City and Paris. Her writing consistently explores themes of female empowerment, social justice, and breaking free from restrictive social norms.Episode HighlightsLaura's reflection on we need fierce words right nowThe difference between destructive anger and transformative rageHow poetry can serve as a catalyst for social changeThe importance of authentic expression over social acceptabilityCreating space for the "messy, expansive, unraveled" parts of ourselvesAbout Midweek Pause for PeaceMidweek Pause for Peace is Laura Davis's regular series designed to provide listeners with a moment of calm and reflection in the middle of busy weeks. Each episode combines the healing power of nature imagery with carefully selected poetry, creating space for both emotional processing and nervous system regulation.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.comSubscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive beautifully curated poems, essays about life and writing, writing tips, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe