Olivia Gatwood - Ode to the Women on Long Island

[@Domino_0604]

"They didn't call their daughters. They called their sons".

[@elishamiyahira4301]

olivia never ceases to find the beauty in an ugly humanity. an unapologetic and brilliant woman of our time.

[@aydandilan213]

Elisha Miyahira I

[@lunar8847]

a treasure for us suffering souls

[@asseater0077]

I'm a woman from Long Island and i've never been so proud of where I'm from. Btw she nailed the accent

[@quirkyblackenby]

Remy Popiel definitely. Everyone can do their momma’s accent

[@homosoftommorow]

"Her body isnt what it used to be. But neither is the economy or the bagels at rickmans deli. So who really cares?"

[@semiboom]

♥️

[@quirkyblackenby]

That’s one of my favorite lines because it’s like yeah shit changes and that’s okay

[@CitizenOfNeverland]

I was raised by women from Long Island and I'm having a lot of tears right now.

[@andreal391]

I moved to the island from the west coast 6 years ago...this poem is really so good, both funny and sad ....two dimensional... love it

[@nybrenna]

ME TOO an I was like what are you on the rag? I love this.

[@athingforwednesday]

Just the fact that she says "Women ON Long Island" instead of "Women IN Long Island" means those Long Island women taught her well.

[@carak1822]

Megan Siegal RT

[@gabbykingmusic]

i live in new zealand. ive never been to america, let alone long island. ive never met any one from long island. but this still brought me to tears and i think that shows just how powerful this art is

[@RomanZolanski123]

Im living in Australia never been to America too and feel the exact same way.

[@UnicornakaLauren]

I live in Canada, which all be it is much close to the states, but the sentiment is all the same

[@GUANTESOLO]

I was in the audience for this piece, and distinctly remember the powerful wave of "wtf" that swept over everyone (in a good way).

[@jeniferjoseph9200]

GUANTE that must have been incredible

[@angelinadelapaz6459]

I love your poetry just as much as I love hers (which is a lot 😂)

[@rubydaviesart4569]

Lucky wow I would’ve loved to see her live

[@kariromero312]

It must’ve been amazing

[@4lifeshaytards]

I was really expecting this to be making fun of Long Island women and now I'm crying because FUCK if this isn't about my Long Island mother, I don't know anything that can describe her.

[@4lifeshaytards]

Update it's 6 months later and I'm still crying over this poem.

[@melindahale6444]

What made me so proud of this poem is that I grew up in a VERY different place than Long Island. But my community has these women too and I related to it so hard! Change the accent, and the sandwich menu and these are the women of Appalachia. These are the women of 2nd, 3rd, maybe even further generation immigrants whose families didn't fight to get here just for their daughters to be treated like shit. They grew up knowing life wasn't fair but also knowing how to level the playing field a bit. Not afraid to work. Not afraid to be called a bitch. And not afraid to speak their mind. And I'm damn proud to come from that stock of women!!

[@laurajob4532]

As a young person whose native language isn't English, this poem was hard for me to understand the first time I heard it at least two years ago. I didn't understand the long island references really well and couldn't keep track of who said what in the conversation in this poem. Still, for some reason, I loved it so much that I listened and re-listened over and over. Everytime I listened I understood a bit more. I didn't realize until now that I've not only grown into loving this poem more and more but I also grew into understanding every single sentence. Having a poem that is proof of my progress in learning and understanding the English language really gives me the feeling that the poem is mine in a sense to listen to it over and over. I love it. I loved it when I didn't understand why the women on long island spoke like that and I love it now that I do understand.

[@laurajob4532]

I just think it wouldn't have been possible to so deeply love a poem that I didn't understand, if the delivery hadn't been so damn strong.

[@ecscottindiana]

@@laurajob4532 I grew up no where near new york but i love this poem and that accent so much. i am so very glad that you enjoy it, too! congrats on your strong english skills. I never put enough time into my German classes to retain anything, and I regret it.

[@laylae8523]

I love reading this comment every time I come back to listen to this poem

[@eseoghenevanessakingfashe977]

I feel like I just learnt all the maternal lessons I need in life in one video

[@kaitlynkeegan5936]

"Over on carona in merrick by the laundromat" I know exactly where that is.

[@jackiegorman6872]

Me too… I know that laundromat 🤣

[@SPcamert]

It's her accent. Her accent which hits every fucking word as if it's a ball on a tee just waiting to be thrown further than it knew it could. The way a major league baseball player stares down the pitcher just before smacking a home run. The way the winner stalks away from a fight knowing there's no way that they could possibly have destroyed their opponent any more thoroughly. It's her imagery, her passion, and her accent that absolutely make this poem for me.

[@PulseOfTheMaggie]

this comment was like a poem in itself.

[@synthialynn3588]

SPcamert I agree and I really enjoy the way you worded that very nice. :]

[@lynncarolrogers]

There are some poems that just stop you and bring you to tears and this is one of them. I could use a thousand words and never be able to explain why this poem brings me to tears but it does and I want to thank you for it. Thank you so much. Thank you.

[@elizabethlevitt4879]

thank you Lynn

[@seleniummillenium]

"If you ever, I mean ever make a woman so much as to unconformable, I'll take you down to the deli and put your hand in the meat slicer. You think I won't? I will make a hero out of you with lettuce, tomato, and dill." This line really made me laugh and also think. I've never really met a woman who'd be willing to harm their own son to teach him to never hurt a woman.

[@RonnTheBanshee]

Whenever there's a girl my age being sex trafficed or raped and murdered in our area she tells me to be careful while my brother beats me and emotionally abuses me right in front of her. She's a very smart and tough women but the fact she tells me to be careful and not my brother to be respectful speaks miles.

[@xchrysantha]

She actually said "gyro," not "hero," which just paints the picture even more beautifully. XD And I totally agree.

[@Meltohell]

@@xchrysantha u mean the greek thing right?

[@xchrysantha]

@@Meltohell Yup that's the one! The sandwich wrap-like food.

[@uncannyvalley2113]

@@xchrysantha are you sure? because a hero is a type of sandwich too

[@kinduvabigdeal]

"I'll put your hand in the meat slicer. I'll make a hero out of you, " I love that double entendre. Hopefully talking to our sons about how to act will make a hero out of them

[@miabonventre2159]

On my mothers side, I am a fourth generation Long Islander. On my fathers, third. Because of my fathers illness, my mother wakes herself up every morning at three am, lets out the dog, makes my lunch, puts her time into everything that puts food on our table and a smile on my face. As an outsider in Plainview simply due to being one of the only Catholic people in this town, my mother does not have a lot of support. Friends are hard to come by because it always seems people are talking about her when they probably aren't. She was the one who unconsciously taught me that being a bitch meant being strong. Thank you, Olivia Gatwood, for bringing me a peace about fast paced talkers and bubblegum and every damn woman going to a yoga class because that's just what we do here, but I thank you for slowing down this quick world for a moment to show everyone the beauty of living here. Amen to the women who raised me and showed me that being a bitch is the pride that floats on the waves on Jones beach and soars on a golf ball in Garden City. Thank you to my mother for showing me this stunning world on the eastern coast of the free world. I love you.

[@lisamischke7808]

There are plenty of Catholics in Plainview.

[@tiawasson6731]

THESE ARE THE WOMEN WHO RAISED ME AND IM SO PROUD OF IT

[@ButtonPoetry]

Olivia would love hearing you see your family in her poem! What an incredible compliment. Thanks Tia!

[@nikkibarnes971]

My mom was murdered on Long Island and I like to listen to this poem to remind me that it’s not all bad there. Beautifully written and preformed. I’m playing it for my mom next time I visit her grave ❤️

[@Julius4396]

OH. MY. GOD. That was impeccable. That freaking delivery had me snapping throughout. Many, many, MANY snaps.

[@faithlieslovelust]

honestly, I have watched this 100 times and I cannot stop. It is perfect.

[@alicialeane1768]

*laughs at accent because I'm surrounded my them and it's so accurate* *remembers I talk like that too*

[@shirahtyjodun5545]

Everyone honestly needs to be raised by a Long Island women.

[@tomzadvydas1758]

True 😊😅 Long Island girls are awesome

[@Nettles_and_Mint]

This poem seems to get better and better each time I listen to it.

[@ulitmatedakotafan]

I need women like that in my life. I think she did a good job but, can't really say because I just know from TV. And I don't want to be stereotyping but, I believe this is a compliment to strong, opinionated, loving, loyal, and ass kicking women. But, I respect that. I love the part about setting down the sons and with "boy you better not even think about it" talk. More sons need mothers, and hell fathers like that.

[@taliasalvador1168]

I am from Long Island born and raised here 35 years and I can tell you yes it's spot on

[@math1181]

I have never left south Africa but I wanna go to Long Island and be raised by these women 😢😢

[@samanthacovington6556]

"Manic Pixie Dream Girl" is also good, and written by her

[@ZiaHayes143]

I was raised In florida but I love these long island women now.

[@livmcguinness8424]

from long island and couldnt be more proud

[@Sharp_cetta]

This kind of makes me want to cry. It reminds me of all the women who I grew up around. I'm so proud to be from Long Island you have no idea.

[@menuchacolish]

these words are perfectly strung together. as a women from long island, i relate to this so much. this poem made me laughter and brought me to tears all at once. “if you ever, so much as make a women uncomfortable i will...” that line hit home

[@heleneeichhorn8002]

Im from germany. I have absolutely no idea where or what exactly long island is, besides part of new york..city??? But i have watched this video around a dozen times. She is literally one of my favourite artists. Kudos to you olivia. Please never stop

[@ladydontekno]

East of NYC actually

[@ambskater97]

Word of wisdom: never tell a Long Islander they're in New York City.

[@cristiultravioleta]

I had a phase where I got really into spoken word on youtube and quickly olivia gatwood stood out to me along with sarah kay this is one of her poems that I liked so much that I almost had memorized. I love to come back once in a while to check if I still remember the words. Our minds are so interesting. 🥰

[@nennaflores7483]

I don't know if it means anything to anyone else but that very last line hit me so hard in so many places that I'm getting it tattooed on my arm.

[@molly_pilon2858]

did u get it tattooed?

[@anotherlaneo]

i am always drawn back to this poem. i love it so much. just got back from a reproductive rights movement, can’t believe we are still fighting for this shit.

[@Mrmynameisparamore]

I fucking love Olivia gatwood

[@xF3ARL3SSx43VR]

This video never fails to make me cry. The emotion, meaning, and overall sad what-if's and should-of's and the way us women reflexively shy away from men and become distrustful due to the nature of them and society and the fear, and the way us women as a group become things we're unsure of just to survive, only to later wish we just enjoyed life and expressed ourselves.

[@shinythegardener1731]

we're going to survive and we're going to enjoy life and express ourselves, we will be able to recognize ourselves, in the final tally

[@alexandramerkel2164]

Nassau County over here, accent is perfect. strong island woman

[@valhoff3]

She’s got “IT”! Thanks to my daughter for sending me this...on Long Islsnd.

[@VictoriaCaswell]

I love this poem and that last line and its delivery is just perfect.

[@nerdygirl4evah165]

A year and a half later and this is still one of my favorite poems. I’m a woman on Long Island, I carry a knife in my purse, and my mom’s name is Deborah.I’ve never been prouder to be from my home. She nailed everything

[@mschanandlerbong007]

I feel as though you appreciate this poem so much more if you're actually from Long Island because you know how accurate it is.

[@emilypeachesreynolds]

i watch this at least once a week so i can cry and be reminded of the strength of women

[@laynemcclure9726]

I just moved to LIC, and from the moment I did, I've heard this poem echoing in my head. I heard it first when I was 22, and it was such an impactful piece of art, truly. To be living, now, adjacent to the people this poem is about, only further fuels me. Thank you, thank you very much.

[@ren_7308]

This poem makes me wanna give the women on long island the LONGEST hug in life 😭😭💖💖

[@jackiegorman6872]

This poem is absolutely brilliant to me. Being a LAWNG GI LAND woman it resonated with me on such a deep level. I laughed at how I saw myself, my sisters, my mom, my friends in each and every hilarious word she said. We are definitely tough, straightforward, and a breed of our own. Perhaps, even a required taste. But, you know what I have to say to that? If you can’t handle the flava…get yaw’ ass outta’ the kitchen! ❤️

[@zebrasforlunch]

Why have I watched this 7 times now? Oh yeah. Because this poem was freaking amazing.

[@laluna2264]

One of my favourites......this is a poem i come back to even if I am not from Long Island

[@shamsseif6909]

This. Is. So. Fucking. Good.

[@Oliviap16]

My mom is from Long Island and her whole side is all from various parts of New York. I had the pleasure of going to Long Island to see where she grew up back in March and I fell in love with the place. This was a beautiful and powerful piece❤

[@kgboylan]

I get chills every time I listen to her

[@liviaschumachercorrea6763]

i live in an island in the south region of brazil and every time i see this i have the urge to go to long island. that is good poetry.

[@MacabreAfterparty]

I was raised by women in highlands, jersey. God bless their big voice. They gave me the courage to find mine.

[@betsykiser930]

Thank you to the women on Long Island and Olivia Gatwood , beautiful

[@hiddendruid]

This poem reminds me of the grandmother I never got to meet because she passed away before I was born. I cry every time.

[@jinazhao9550]

wow that was more than I was expecting. Thank you.

[@denzoxo]

Gosh, I want New American Best Friend so badly 😭 she's excellent

[@HeiLong24]

Central Islip/Hauppauge and more family in Queens/Brooklyn 🤘🔥 Dang this is lit.

[@annamariedannehl8245]

i listened to this 3 years ago and didn’t pay too much attention, didn’t understand it, and i listened to it today and i was completely blown away.

[@nicolebutler9077]

Chills. This is incredible

[@ionicwhimbat]

I listened to this poem every week for 2 years. Xx

[@eyesofmuffin]

i used to listen to this after every therapy session to allow me the strength to get up that day. thank you.

[@iSoaring]

That accent... Oh God and I grew up on Long Island lmao

[@itiswhatitis_842]

FrankieGames Wish I had an accent like that🙊

[@iSoaring]

NCM no you don’t LMAOO

[@itiswhatitis_842]

FrankieGames Well if I had it I wouldn't care what others thinks about it cause I think it sounds fantastic and glamorous 🙊 So since you have it...know that I think you have fantastic & glamorous accent 😁

[@sofiatouil1823]

has been one of my favorite poems for years.

[@makenziehurt2584]

I never thought a poem about women on li would make me cry. Here I am.

[@EyeLean5280]

I'm from Long Island. I miss it there and this poem helps me take a little mental trip back home for a minute. sometimes I cry a little. Thank you.

[@jessireuter]

Am I the only one who hears the voices of all the women who raised them in this?

[@johannakelly4916]

if you haven't seen her perform in person, put it on your bucket list because I promise you she is incredible

[@joi.6450]

"the class takes a sharp inhale through the nose... then out through the mouth" simple but genius

[@lottie6723]

i come back to this time and time again because it’s so good. i’m english, i’ve never been to long island.

[@charlyselamantia4543]

The girl murdered in queens was my cousins best friend and I knew her. This is so powerful

[@kyelwilliams4280]

they did not call to warn their daughters they called their sons

[@natachaamdal]

This has made me cry so many times

[@hallepreneta4975]

watching this poem over and over again because it makes me so incredibly happy

[@CamilaGo]

olivia is the best.

[@samanthataylor1761]

Her accent, lord.

[@repertorySC]

Chills. Thank you Olivia for this piece of art, and thank you to the women of Long Island for your strength.

[@nataliecarter5365]

I saw this video for the first time 5 years ago but I come back to it every couple of months. Been through high school, college, marriage, and divorce with me

[@candela5487]

i've watched this video every single day since the day it was uploaded

[@brittanytalbot6589]

this is nothing i expected but everything i needed. i've listened to it on repeat for a week now. thank you.

[@bywaterwino3976]

I always listen to this when I’m feeling bad or powerless. It makes me feel better and stronger. Thanks for sharing it with all of us I really needed it today

[@ebullets]

Love that she knows we call them heros. And the accent is perfect. Love this ode to the women that raised me. 👏 👏 👏

[@rayanog]

This is, and always will be, one of the best.

[@ManicChangeling]

It is a crime that I can only like this once. This is one of my all time favorite poems. I can't stop watching it!

[@imanidlamini8499]

A great writer is able to touch lives... even those from far away. I am not from the USA. I haven't even been to Long Island(I actually googled the place) but my goodness... this was a beautiful poem!

[@molliemcmullan9187]

Oh my god. I grew up in Long Island. This is beyond true. I’m in love. And her delivery was absolutely fantastic. The accent!!!! Oh mah gowd!

[@jellyrcw12]

This poem was used at a drag show I saw last night. Amazing poem

[@jupitired777]

IM OBSESSED

[@anahitamonfared9721]

haven't heard a poem that hasn't given me goosebumps by this powerful lady

[@RigobertoTejeda]

“but life comes fast you know. One minute you’re taking typing classes for your new secretary job at the World Trade Center. The next, it’s almost over. Life I mean.” OMGGGGGGG

[@larala21mil]

I love this poem... i love this poem so much I can barely explain it.

[@aarjupoudel9986]

It's been 3 whole years and I'm still so fascinated and shook to the core by the beauty of her writing.

[@laurateachesyoga]

Brilliant, Olivia. This is WHO WE ARE. Always carry a big knife. ;-)

[@ZHulse18]

I saw some tuber post a video about this on Facebook and had to find the original, this bought me to tears, this is unapologetically honest, and while it's brutal, it's gorgeous

[@Amy-nt2xv]

Every time I see a thumbnail for one of her videos, I feel like I’m about to be blessed

[@lainieisaway5315]

I just found this , I’m born and raised on Long Island , this is how I see most of the older women around me , especially my own mother. She’s originally from Brooklyn, and now she’s here on Long Island. She’s a Long Island women who takes no shit from the men here , and loves my sister and her gf. She’s shown me how to be strong and scream at men , show them I’m not eye candy, I’m a strong women

[@cjb2016]

im currently binge watching all her slam poems.....and WOW. absolutely breath taking

[@leogirl321]

Whoever inspired her to write this poem, I need those women in my life 😭

[@haleythelionheart]

This is my favorite poem, and I think about it all the time

[@alexandriariches1327]

This is my all time favorite poem! When I can, im painting the last line onto canvases and hanging it in my office