A Wall of Respect for Women

"A Wall of Respect for Women" was a mural on the side of the Brooks Pharmacy in Davis Square in Somerville, MA.  I first saw it as a little girl when my parents had a quick errand in that neighborhood.  I was awed by it.  It was so... cool.  A giant painting, outside, on the side of a building, near where I lived.  Just... Wow... I mean... look at it!  I had to keep looking at it.

I could never remember where it was, and was surprised and comforted whenever it showed up again over the years.  It was still there and still beautiful.  Each figure was unique, like a real person.  Where were they and what were they all doing?  It kind of looked like a party with all the colors and people.  It sent joy to me and I wanted to be in it and joyful with them. 

Who were they?  They were all, wait, were they? (I had to check again) yes, they were all women or girls (maybe I would be welcome there). I didn't understand it, but it drew all my attention and a shy affection.


Many years later I moved to Davis Square with a couple of roommates.  Walking the bike path back to our new place I looked up and there it was!  My painting!  A little faded, tired perhaps, but there and enthralling as ever.  I paused to study the women - the different shapes of their bodies, the signs of their relationships & their children, their vocations, and their bright spirits.  They stood together in one beaming company, as bold and feminine as when I'd first seen them.  I understood the painting a little more as a young woman than I did as a child.   Yes, I was welcome there.  I was one of those figures.  I shared in all their joy, all their effort, and all their great worth.  It was a value that often went unseen, even to me in my own life, yet up on the wall it called out brightly to any who'd see it.


I lived in Davis Square for a couple of years, walking the bike path daily.  While I didn't linger over the mural every time I passed it sometimes it caught my eye and assured me that I was in good company.  It reminded me of my childhood awed delight and encouraged me as I cultivated the insight that comes with experience in a woman's life.


Today I live in another city, 3000 miles away; I'm startled and sad to learn that the mural has been removed.  These women were alive for me, watching me grow from a girl into a woman, offering me real joy, courage, and vision along the way.  So I'm glad I had the sense to photograph it before I moved.  I hope the snapshot issues some of the spirit and energy that the original gave to me.

Jenni Lincoln, 2009




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