poetry by Frieda Groffy
review by Sandra Naelaerts
book, The Universal Woman. This blog excerpt was sent to me by Ms. Groffy; the review follows.
International Women's Day: a reflection!
Each year you sit back in a mood of reflection, counting the positive actions and moves that have
happened to women all over the globe, as well as the negative ones. And, lately, the balance is very
uneven in the negative direction.
Just a few minutes ago I read that the governor of South Dakota signed the law that prohibits
abortion unless the life of the woman is endangered! A law that puts women back to the dark ages in
a country, the US., that proclaims itself to be the champion of freedom, democracy etc... except for
the human rights of women?
Especially the poor, the Black, the Latina, and Native-American women!
In other news I read that Cindy Sheehan, along with a delegation of Iraqi women, was arrested in
New York for protesting a senseless, disastrous war in Iraq. Is there no greater shame, than when the
best and the boldest among us are treated like they are the criminals?!
Thousands of women each and every year die of AIDS, of abuse, of oppression, and of violence due to
conflicts (war); and its like the whole world is watching and doesn't give a damn!
Sometimes that is the way it seems to be. But, luckily, you know that is not all that is true.
Thousands of bold women all over the planet do take a stand, are involved, stick out their necks and
even their lives, for the well-being of their less-fortunate sisters. It gives you a good feeling, belonging
to that worldwide sisterhood of brave Warrior Women who care and keep on fighting the righteous
struggle for peace, justice and equality.
I have traveled a lot - I've been in Iraq, the Middle East, Africa, the States, and all over Europe. My
eyes have seen a lot. As a writer, journalist and poet, I often have tried to give a voice to the voiceless
and the silenced. I have talked to the women and the homeless in Johannesburg in the shacks of
Gugulethu by Capetown, right on up to Winnie Mandela. And, no matter how poor my hosts, I was
welcomed with a smile, as they told me their story and held my hands.
Nobody has a crystal ball to look into the future, but when we take a global view of NOW, we can
only state that the world has not become a safer place, that 'democracy' has taken on a hollow
meaning , used as a shield to cover the hidden agendas of warmongers, and that women and children
remain the most vulnerable victims.
However, we are strong, undefeatable, and we must keep on thinking and acting positive. We must
cherish the love and the friendship around us, and then harvest all the bright moments!
The Universal Woman
by Frieda Groffy
Publisher Cyberwit.Net- ISBN 8182530571 $15
woman; someone who wants to change the world with words and fine poetry, expressed in strong
metaphors. Never reluctant to stand up for the weak, reaching a hand to her sisters and brothers, she
is the best “Universal Woman” one can imagine.
Universal Woman is her seventh book, and I believe it to be her best. The book consists of three parts.
In “African Footprints on my Soul,” she honors her black, South-African sisters. Her poems and
tribute follow the rhythm of African drums. Sometimes sad, sometimes tender, she never neglects the
struggle which she has witnessed up close.
Frieda is the living proof that poets can write beautiful words about social matters. She is a
committed artist who chooses to side up with the hurt and abused human beings. And she tries to tell
us, the readers, to be aware of these things. And, sometimes, her words affect me more than could a
photograph.
A “Universal Woman” who keeps “restlessly searching...”, Frieda is looking for answers, and asks the
kind of questions that no one dares to answer, like “why” ?
But, nevertheless, she has also a message of hope and beauty. “Scarred people” opened their hearts to
her, made confessions, and after hearing their testimonies, Frieda wrote poems which will make you
stand up. Stand up against poverty and injustice. In this case, words speak as loud as actions...
“Cyber Love Blues” are special, deep love poems wherein Frieda shares her vulnerability and
uncertainties with the reader. And it is all so recognizable. For example, to love someone but not
know whether you will get a response; or, not knowing how much another one loves you. Longing
for comfort and waiting a lifetime for that one special embrace... It ‘s actually about nothing less
then unconditional love - and who doesn’t want that ?!
“New York Impressions” is about her ‘sisterhood’/friendship with jazz singer Stella Marrs, and the
impressions Frieda got when she visited her in New York. But it is also about discovering a “new
world”. After reading this, everyone who has visited this fascinating city knows exactly what she is
talking about. And everyone who hasn’t been there yet, will want to experience it.
Frieda is a child of the world. And, as a “universal woman”, she proves to be a “universal poet”.
released in February 2006, by Cyberwit Press in India
THE UNIVERSAL WOMAN
I'm the universal woman
with the rainbow colored skin
I bear the pain of all
small little girls
gang raped in the wars
the violated, beaten up women
dying and not knowing why
I'm the fierce, tortured freedom fighter
of all the revolutions
long forgotten and honor denied
I'm the universal woman
humiliated for my color and tongue
persecuted for my beliefs
for my true love for a woman
circumcised in my sexuality
killed in my womanhood
I'm the universal woman
with the rainbow colored skin
mother of the earth
queen of all life
mistress of the moon
the warmth and passion of the sun
the tree of thenderness
the source of compassion
the balance of the world
the universal woman
with the rainbow colored skin
am I
Sandra Naelaerts is a journalist for National Belgium Television
