Keep Still

I’m a fan of classic movies. Gone With The Wind, The Thin Man, Bell Book and Candle, Ball of Fire, and, The Women. The Women from 1939 (don’t waste your time on the 2008 version), for those not familiar with the movie, is based on a Broadway play that features, you guessed it, only women. The plot focuses on Mary Haynes and her cheating husband and her busybody friends. There are an amazing number of one-liners delivered by some incredible actresses: Marjorie Main (better known as MaKettle), Paulette Goddard (known best for her role in Kitty), RosalindRussell (better known as Auntie Mame but my favorite is His Girl Friday) among others.

However, my favorite character is the lead: Norma Shearer. She was an amazing woman in so many ways. The role as Mary Haines feels so true to her. Historians called her "the exemplar of sophisticated 1930s womanhood...exploring love and sex with an honesty that would be considered frank by modern standards". Shearer is celebrated as a feminist pioneer, "the first American film actress to make it chic and acceptable to be single and not a virgin on screen". This almost revolutionary spirit appeals to me. I feel like have the ability to be strong, vibrant and then turn all that on its head to be a Devoted Submissive to my Master. 

I’ve seen this movie many many times but I’ve watched it a lot lately. It doesn’t seem to matter that it is from almost 80 years ago, the message is clear to me. If you love your husband (or partner), you need to keep your mouth shut if they cheat. This holds true for me in a mono/poly relationship too. My Master isn't cheating. He is open and transparent and so very loving. I’m sure many would say that I am living a lie. I don’t think it is that black and white.

Mary’s mother tells her early in the movie, ‘Keep still, my baby. Keep still even though you ache to speak.” This one sentence is the key for me.

Keep still.

Keep still even though my heart breaks.

Keep still even while I choke down the sobs.

Keep still and smile.

Keep still and try to find my way.

Keep still and collaborate joyfully with my Master.

Keep still to have peace and joy again.
Keep still and reach for the light.

I know I will reach it.

I just want it soon.