An Ode To My ‘Barrier Island Girls’

I wrote this poem some time ago after realizing how very lucky I was to have a sisterhood of women that surrounded me who all brought me great joy and always gave great advice.

Alongside it a photo from my affirmation ceremony. It’s one of my favorites with my “barrier island girls”—Theresa Rosario-Berzner, Dana Rubinstein and Doctor Pearl Ketover Prilik. Included in the photo is Karen McGinnis, the President of the Long Beach City Council, who attended the ceremony and presented me with kind and well wishes.

Filled with much fortune
I have sisters and besties.
They are here for life.

They offer sweetness
We always borrow sugar,
with no — quid pro quo.

It’s a born instinct.
It’s a knowing that they are,
a safe place to be.

All these girlfriends are
such a blessing in desguise,
they’re my favorite guys!

2 Comments
  • Pearl Ketover Prilik
    Posted at 03:36h, 31 August

    Wow – what a lovely cup of sugar let me respond …

    For our dear Paula / bearer of the Laureate wreath / gatherer of hearts …..💖💖 and my fellow barrier island sisters

    In this tumbled
    upside world
    where the very ground
    trembled under foot and
    cold fingers grasped air seeking purchase, solid and safe – suddenly there rose a soft shoulder of sisterhood
    rippling power from wreathed crown down on to strong legs / head in the mystic clouds feet
    on the ground – pure poetry without barriers /
    soul sisters sharing it all
    and I a grateful sibling for the one
    who gathered us together …

    with all my love
    for all you do
    for who you are
    and the future unfolding
    my cup runneth over and
    I never shall take for granted
    the gratitude for this perfectly
    synchronistic gift of sugar showering sparkles over all
    and reigniting the light in my soul
    May we continue to shine on
    Sweet Barrier Island Girls
    with gratitude and love
    deep as the sea from which we spring – our love rippling out to all

  • Zoe Jade Austin
    Posted at 04:23h, 06 September

    This is a testament to the beauty and power of a feminine tribe. Blessings to all in this sisterhood of love 💘