Peaceful park morning Around the paths, birds pecking Mom and boy laughing
by Vinh Dang (2007)
As we’ve written on these pages before, the month of March is a lively time of year. From the Ides of March to March Madness, from National Pi Day to St. Patrick’s Day, from the Spring Equinox to Music in Our Schools Month, March can be a busy month, indeed!
Equinox. Yin, Yang. Moon and Sun partners in time. Night and Day embrace.
by Thomas Stock (2015)
Among the many spirited celebrations of March, there is Women’s History Month. Designated as such in 1987, March has been recognized since then with an annual Presidential Proclamation honoring the specific achievements and contributions made by women in a variety of fields over the course of American history.
Vintage wedding gown. Handmade quilts sewn long ago. Time never fading.
by Cynthia DeKing (2023)
Even here in Central New York, women have played, and continue to play, important roles in our society. When writing her haiku below, Michele Reed “…. thought of our area’s legacy of social activism, from abolitionism to Women’s Rights. And who better to embody that heritage than Harriet Tubman, conductor on the Underground Railroad and women’s suffrage activist? Many area homes have “hidey-holes,” where enslaved people took cover on their way to Canada and freedom.
There is still much to be done to secure equality and justice for all people. But our local history proves that even one person of good will can make a difference.”
Follow the North Star Harriet Tubman leading— Underground Railroad
Poet: Michele Reed Artist: David Zeggert Series: 2021
Celebrated on a global level, International Women’s Day takes place in March, too. According to International Women’s Day, this notable day “….celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.”
Peoples of far lands came to find peace, home and work a city was born
by Mildred Woolley (2014)
Red sari blows wide Bag of onions on her head Market vendor smiles Poet: Cindy Ostuni Artist: Katie Turner Series: 2021
Be they mothers or daughters, teachers or caregivers, scientists or artists, contributions by women throughout history have made the world a better place.
Iroquois women Fayetteville bloomers--Orange Sisters in the Hood
by Mark Calicchia (2021)
In her interpretation of Deborah Tracy’s wonderful haiku below, artist Kathleen O’Dell, “….chose to depict Harriet May Mills, prominent leader in the women’s suffrage movement, born in Syracuse in 1857. As the backdrop, I featured the Harriet May Mills Art and Home Center, a permanent structure at the Fairgrounds that opened in 1934. The font I chose is called “Keep on Truckin,” which I thought was fitting given the circumstances of our present political climate. My hope is to pay homage to a true American hero by adding a touch of whimsy to an overly political time.”
Old woman, straight stride Mouth set, umbrella held tall 'Gainst soft spring drizzle. Poet: Deborah Tracy Artist: Kathleen O'Dell Series: 2021
We hope you’ve enjoyed these thoughtfully written haiku and beautifully illustrated posters. We think you’ll agree that they add a unique perspective to the celebration of Women’s History Month!
A pink ribbon halved folded pulling through us three my mother’s, hers, me
by Lynn McDonald (2012)
To read more March themes on our Poetry Blog, click HERE. As always, to read more about each poet and artist listed above, click on their name where highlighted. And, if you’d like to purchase any of the illustrated haiku posters featured on this post, click on the highlighted Series Year; if you’d like to view and purchase any of our other beautiful haiku posters, click HERE — they make great gifts!
Thank you!
Posted by Rosalyn M. Carroll for the Syracuse Poster Project
Poster Project Blog 