Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.
—Ruth Bader Ginsburg, as quoted in Notorious RBG by Irin Carmen and Shana Knizhnik
So let me take one step right now,
one step toward respect.
And give me strength to take another
toward clarity. And though
my feet might feel like stones, let
me take another step toward justice.
And another toward equity. And another
toward truth. And though my legs
may feel leaden and slow, though someone
else may step on my toes, may I inch
toward forgiveness. May every step
be toward a bridge. Enough divisiveness.
And as I go, may I find joy in the stepping,
grace in the edging toward great change.
But if there’s little joy, let me step anyway.
Then take another step. And another. And another.
*
Thank you, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Thank you for showing us another way to fight. Thank you for bringing us together right now. Thank you for all you did to stand up for what is just. Thank you for your commitment, determination, inspiration and true leadership. A Matriot.
thank you Rosemerry for this tribute xoxox
I was devastated last night to hear the news of Ginsberg’s passing. She was the moral compass of the U.S. Supreme Court, an incredible heroine for women’s rights and a model for us all.
What a beautiful poem and tribute. Thank you for this.
yes, devastating. and yes, a heroine … I think that now that I have approved you your comments should just come through? Thank you, Lisa, for this. What a leader she has been. what a legacy.
Thank you Rosemerry. RBG was a model for us all; a true champion for women’s rights and a moral compass for the Supreme Court of the U.S. This is a beautiful tribute. Lisa
She was indeed a moral compass, so well said, Lisa. Such an inspiration.
Reading this is a deep breath. Thank you for the reminder, “Then take another step. And another. And another.”
I am so grateful for her.
So beautiful and inspiring. A soul exhale and a reminder to give ourselves grace enough to keep going if we stumble along the way. And another step… xo 😉❤️
Joy, I love reading your responses so much. Yes. And so we stumble and take another step.
Thank you RWT.
And thank you, RBG.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
Oh friend. And this: Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you. –RBG
The hurt in my heart finds some solace in the community of pain…and gratitude. We have been blessed. Thank you, Rosemerry, for your words.
I find solace in the community of pain and gratitude. I feel a great debt for all she did and was. thanks for your just-right words, Rosemerry.
she did so much–with patience and steadfastness. she was such a true leader, such a force for the good.
Your words have been such a comfort now. Thought you might appreciate this.. .Her death on the eve of Rosh Hashanah also has significance in Jewish tradition, rabbis and friends said. “One of the themes of Rosh Hashanah suggests that very righteous people would die at the very end of the year because they were needed until the very end,” said Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism.
Those who die on the new year holiday are considered “tzadik,” a title given to the righteous and saintly.
“God has held back until the last moment bc they were needed most & were the most righteous,” National Public Radio journalist Nina Totenberg, a close friend of Ginsburg, wrote on Twitter.
Heidi, thank you. Yes, this does seem to suit her. She was righteous. and really, as close to saintly as I can imagine on earth. Thank you.
This great icon deserves the medal of honor
I agree … and she deserves our dedication to carrying on her legacy.