Anarchic anger came to beat us down,
Until from all that battering we went numb
Like ravaged trees after a hurricane.
But in its way we saw fierce angels come—
Not gentle and not kind—who threshed the grain
With their harsh wings, winnowed from waste.
They brought love to its knees in fearful pain.
Such angels come after the storm is past
As messengers of a true power denied.
They beat us down. For love, they thrash us free,
Down to the truth itself, stripped of our pride.
On those harsh wings they bring us agony.
Theirs is an act of grace, and it is given
To those in Hell who can imagine Heaven.—May Sarton, A Storm of Angels
Association for Women’s Rights in Development
Center for Reproductive Rights
International Alliance of Women
International Center for Research on Women
International Women's Health Coalition
National Organization for Women
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Women’s Environment & Development Organization