The Four Elements of Resistance
Earth, Fire, Water, Air
I’m a fierce woman and I know how to fight.
I’ve been fighting all my life.
Fighting for my body.
Fighting for my voice.
Fighting for my emotions.
Fighting for my mind.
Survivor of trauma turned artist,
My fight was won with creative expression.
That is how I heal brokenness.
But In a resistance the fight intensifies.
Sharp senses organize an alert awareness when
Survival grounds itself in these four elements:
Earth
My body tells me everything I need to know. My body is the earth.
I listen to what it tells me is coming and how I shall proceed.
Knowingness is felt before it’s seen or heard.
Fire
My voice tells me what I need to say. My voice is the fire.
My fiery tongue is the light that ignites truth.
Fire fuels expression.
Water
My emotions tell me what to feel. My emotions are the water.
Emotions surge mainly below the surface sometimes only seen as tears.
Water flows into openness.
Air
My mind tells me how to think. My mind is the air.
Always in constant motion my thoughts direct the way.
Air channeled can create strong wind.
These four elements are essential for life — essential for survival.
Each with their own unique properties, they all promise protection.
And when united will shield the spirit and win the resistance.
Poem and photographs dedicated to all women everywhere with love.
Poem and artwork by Beth Inglish
Photography by John Partipilo
Art Direction by Kristen Chapman Gibbons
