(by Johanna Courtleigh)
I close my eyes to see myself
there in the darkness
where my heart begins her breathing.
I am breath.
The give and take of planets and trees.
The rise and fall of tides.
The painted skies of dawn and sunset.
The chrysalis opening.
The cocoon giving forth to wing.
I sit in the darkness and speak my name.
I call myself back.
Name myself
as though I am the mother.
Hold my breath in the quiet of my arms.
Cradle and comfort.
Body of sorrow.
Body of joy.
Body of earth and bone,
like the clay between fingers,
molding itself into a hand.