Explanations

One of my favorite poems was written by James Oppenheim published in 1911, and it is associated with a textile strike in Massachusetts in 1912. Here is the text of the poem:

As we come marching, marching in the beauty of the day,
A million darkened kitchens, a thousand mill lofts gray,
Are touched with all the radiance that a sudden sun discloses,
For the people hear us singing: "Bread and roses! Bread and roses!"

As we come marching, marching, we battle too for men,
For they are women's children, and we mother them again.
Our lives shall not be sweated from birth until life closes;
Hearts starve as well as bodies; give us bread, but give us roses!

As we come marching, marching, unnumbered women dead
Go crying through our singing their ancient cry for bread.
Small art and love and beauty their drudging spirits knew.
Yes, it is bread we fight for -- but we fight for roses, too!

As we come marching, marching, we bring the greater days.
The rising of the women means the rising of the race.
No more the drudge and idler -- ten that toil where one reposes,
But a sharing of life's glories: Bread and roses! Bread and roses!

Since becoming familiar with this poem in my second year of college, I have loved the sentiment it represents. I love the idea that battles should be fought for both fairness and dignity, that we should struggle against physical, mental, and emotional mistreatment.

In a way, I feel like this is a bit of a life purpose for me. I have been so incredibly blessed with a supportive environment and loving family, a great education, and natural gifts, talents and passions that allow me to experience the world in a unique way. However, I believe that these blessings are coupled with a responsibility to serve, to give back, to be a blessing in return. I want to be part of something that brings light into lives, both in physical and emotional manifestations. I want to fight for both bread and roses for my clients and their families, the little buddies in my classroom, and the community I live in.