Episode Title
Midweek Pause for Peace: "Womanifesto" by Libba Bray - A Call to Action
Episode Description
Join Laura Davis for a special edition of Midweek Pause for Peace that breaks from the usual gentle reflections to deliver something designed to rouse and awaken. This week, Laura features "Womanifesto," a fierce and unapologetic poem written by bestselling novelist Libba Bray in 2017.
Unlike the typical pairing of nature imagery with contemplative poetry, this episode presents a powerful call for activism - a rallying cry that demands we not look away, but instead channel our anger into action and authentic voice.
Featured Poem
"Womanifesto" by Libba BrayWritten in 2017
Key Themes Explored
Reclaiming authentic voice and power
Rejecting societal expectations and constraints
Transforming rage into purposeful action
The cost of silence and performative femininity
Collective awakening and sisterhood
Breaking free from internalized oppression
The power of "unladylike" expression
Why This Poem Matters Now
Laura explains her choice to feature this provocative piece as part of her typically gentle series, emphasizing how sometimes we need to be stirred rather than soothed. The poem serves as a manifesto for women who are ready to shed the "good girl" persona and embrace their full, messy, powerful selves.
About the Poet
Libba Bray is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her bold, uncompromising voice in both young adult and adult literature. Her acclaimed works include:
The Gemma Doyle trilogy (A Great and Terrible Beauty, Rebel Angels, The Sweet Far Thing)
Going Bovine (Michael L. Printz Award winner)
Beauty Queens (L.A. Times Book Prize finalist)
The Diviners series
Under the Same Stars
Originally from Texas, Bray now divides her time between New York City and Paris. Her writing consistently explores themes of female empowerment, social justice, and breaking free from restrictive social norms.
Episode Highlights
Laura's reflection on we need fierce words right now
The difference between destructive anger and transformative rage
How poetry can serve as a catalyst for social change
The importance of authentic expression over social acceptability
Creating space for the "messy, expansive, unraveled" parts of ourselves
About Midweek Pause for Peace
Midweek Pause for Peace is Laura Davis's regular series designed to provide listeners with a moment of calm and reflection in the middle of busy weeks. Each episode combines the healing power of nature imagery with carefully selected poetry, creating space for both emotional processing and nervous system regulation.
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