Connect with us

Subscribe

Subscribe

The Poetic Word

Red Dresses MMIW

BY GLORIA O’KOYE

Rolls of red cloth cover across Turtle Island

Reminding that lifelines cut short

Because of their inheritance.

 

The dresses cut out and flow through the wind

Are like the voices of spirits crying out to be found, to come back home, to seek Justice.

 

Cries that are silenced by the hands

The same hands that belong to those

That wanted to play higher powers

With judging who gets to live, or to be left

For dead.

 

The same hands that speak with meaningless words and downplaying

the crisis in this so-called land.

 

They are the blood memories of children that never made it back home.

They are missing and murdered behind the prison walls.

These red dresses tell stories for every single life that the first breath went through their souls.

 

It is not a trend

It is not a fashion statement.

 

It is not for political correctness

It is not meant to provide pleasing vibes for optics.

They are the life bearers,

The wise grandmothers

And carriers of culture and lineage.

 

They are the solid rock

Holding up nations.

Newsletter Signup

Stay in the loop with exclusive news, stories, and insights—delivered straight to your inbox. No fluff, just real content that matters. Sign up today!

Written By

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending

Sillasky, formerly known as Sillla; For this silky songstress, the sky’s the limit!

Women Empowered

Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang; Distinguished Communication Leader, Prolific Philanthropist and Acclaimed Public Affairs Strategist

Women Empowered

Atlantis Paradise Island has grown from a top resort into a huge aid in Marine Conservation

Junior Contributors

Failing Grade – For a second consecutive year, access to mental health and substance use health services received failing, or poor grades across Canada

News & Views

Newsletter Signup

Stay in the loop with exclusive news, stories, and insights—delivered straight to your inbox. No fluff, just real content that matters. Sign up today!

Legal Disclaimer: The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, its officers, and employees will not be held responsible for any loss, damages, or expenses resulting from advertisements, including, without limitation, claims or suits regarding liability, violation of privacy rights, copyright infringement, or plagiarism. Content Disclaimer: The statements, opinions, and viewpoints expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of Toronto Caribbean News Inc. Toronto Caribbean News Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for claims, statements, opinions, or views, written or reported by its contributing writers, including product or service information that is advertised. Copyright © 2025 Toronto Caribbean News Inc.

Connect
Newsletter Signup

Stay in the loop with exclusive news, stories, and insights—delivered straight to your inbox. No fluff, just real content that matters. Sign up today!