Women’s Appreciation is a direct and purposeful poem that honours the formative, often overlooked role of women—particularly mothers—as foundational figures in shaping not only individuals, but society at large. The poet draws a clear and vital connection between women’s emotional wellbeing and the health of future generations, advocating for a culture of recognition, empathy, and emotional support.
From its opening line, “Women need to be appreciated,” the poem adopts an unambiguous, declarative tone. This simplicity is not reductive, but intentional—anchoring the piece in clarity and urgency. The poet’s approach is didactic in the best sense of the word: it seeks to teach, not through abstraction, but through a plainspoken truth that invites reflection on deeply ingrained social patterns.
The poem unfolds in a linear progression, tracing the generational cycle from mothers to daughters, and from daughters to the children of the future. This lineage is not merely biological but symbolic of how belief systems, emotional patterns, and attitudes are unconsciously transmitted. The statement that mothers are “responsible / For all our inherited attitudes and beliefs / About ourselves and the world” expands the scope of the poem beyond familial appreciation to a broader cultural and psychological awareness.
The poet gently but firmly underscores the impact of maternal wellbeing: “So show empathy and consideration to a woman / So that she may appreciate herself.” This moment is central. It shifts responsibility outward—to society, partners, families—to recognise that a woman’s ability to see her own worth is often shaped by how she is treated by others. This social mirroring is depicted not as a weakness but as an interdependent truth of human development and identity formation.
Stylistically, the poem uses free verse and simple, unembellished diction to deliver its message. There is no ornamentation or flourish—only a sincere, measured cadence that suits the subject matter. The lack of punctuation invites the reader to experience the poem as a continuous stream of thought, mirroring the continuity of generational influence the poem describes.
The closing lines are particularly effective in linking the personal to the collective. The poem proposes a vision of future generations as “emotionally well-balanced adults / Projecting their enthusiasm and joy / Positivity and effectiveness into this world.” These qualities are presented not as idealised abstractions, but as the practical outcome of nurturing and valuing women. In contrast, the consequences of failing to do so—“resentment, regret, or lament”—are mentioned quietly but powerfully, a subtle reminder of the social cost of emotional neglect.
In conclusion, Women’s Appreciation is a quietly powerful call to action, grounded in compassion and social insight. It invites the reader to consider the ripple effects of emotional support, generational influence, and the importance of validating women’s roles—not just in the private realm of motherhood, but in the shaping of collective consciousness. The poem’s strength lies in its clarity, sincerity, and its refusal to separate personal healing from social change.