“If the sisters should have faith to heal the sick, let all hold their tongues, and let everything roll on.” –Joseph Smith, Discourse, [Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL, 28 Apr. 1842].
Women who healed–
by laying on hands
wherever pain resided
did not disturb
the visionary Joseph. Women who knew–
not their own power, but God’s,
a gift given, spirit to spirit.
Power over flesh to balm and bind
a community of sisters.
Women who washed–
for health, like licking clean
one another’s rancid wounds
without circle of solemn brotherhood,
only faith to treat in Jesus’ name.
Women who anointed–
loved ones with olive oil
and blessed the receiver
for a life’s purpose
only they and God knew.
Women who practiced–
their rites – washed and anointed
in preparation for confinement.
Now that time is finished
we call for the elders. We are Women who initiate–
and perform primitive
remnants. Wash and anoint
only inside holy walls, outside
spiritual gifts. We are
Women who minister–
call or text, send a prayer,
a hug, a gift, and give way
to medicine’s hands. We know how
to show up with our faith. We are
Women who wonder–
if we are cogs on a wheel
why it sometimes spins
with our small teeth clenched
in the gears. We are Women who ask–
as Mary did when
she found the tomb empty.
Why have they taken them?
Where have they been laid?
