Recombinant DNA

Bruises get darker long after the assault

They resurface as the layers of wounded muscle purge to the surface the tarnish

Bruises in the soul can take even longer

Though it has been decades,

Careful examination under my fingernails and inside the tears in my heart

Will reveal DNA of the Jesus he tried to force

Into every orifice

Into every pore

Into every synapse

Nothing is untarnished.

Nothing.

But the microscope reveals that it’s not even

The divine

It was only the fragments that they

Recombined

To command power

To rule supreme

To defile every woman

This recombinant DNA is an unrelenting yet diminishing power

Void of the love

Of its origin

Persephone

I am the maiden of spring.
Flowers bloom in the concave of earth
Where my feet pass.
New life bursting forth,
Eternally youthful and jubilant.
I coax daffodils through winter's last snow.
I sprinkle cherry blossoms in the sky.
I call forth azalea, sweet pea, dandelion.

I am the queen of the underworld.
Each soul christened into death with my embrace.
An Iris remembered, I rule in death unfolding,
Eternally savoring the shadow, sitting with grief.
I draw the dead to my bosom.
I bless you with my witness, my fingertips and pomegranate.
I illuminate the path into the dark World.

I am the maiden of spring.
I am the queen of the underworld.
I hold the sacrament of life and death
I am the maiden of spring.
I am the queen of the underworld.
I gift you the sacrament of life and death.

Tribe of Trees

I come from a tribe of trees

a pine cone with feet

an acorn with wings

I am
Seed cracked open
Tender tap root reaching
Mighty, mighty root
Sweet sap oozing
Blossoms and Full Flower
Leaf barren
Fallen Fruit

I return to earth

Sun-kissed
Rain fed
I am earth blessed

I come from a tribe of trees
and
I have something to sow.

Nandina and Canvas

While I may not have your DNA curled about my double helix map-

It is you who breathed my fire back to life,

     "Don't tell me you're fine! Tell me how you really are!"

You extracted my story,
      From my experiences.

Reflecting it to me
      in a mirror of love,
      "Girl, do you have any idea how remarkable you are?"

The moon was waxing the day you divulged your time is waning.

     "Anyone can be 70, that's nothing, but 80? 80 is an accomplishment"

I left that day with
      a painting,
           a plant
              and a pile of empty flower pots.

This collection sums up the kinship we share:

     Igniting creativity,
          Connecting to nature,
               Cultivating hope.

The moon was waxing the night I realized that our time is waning.

The glaring empty space where the full moon would soon be
Reflect the question back to me,
      How will I exist without your witness?

The answer I stumble upon?
     I must water your seeds planted in my soul

Look people right in the eyes
    Ask how are you doing?

And demand a honest answer!

Wing

Wing

I AM

thick hair blown by a wild wind

soft skin kissed by a torrent

and I have a secret.

Not a dirty secret 

like, "Dont you ever tell anyone where he touched you" or "Please don't tell Daddy she's your lover"

A sacred quiver, 

An earth whisper 

In a grandmother's heart. 

Gifted 

to mother,

            daughter, 

                   granddaughter

Over and over again

For centuries.

Until you whispered it to me.

I AM

thick hair blown by a wild wind

soft skin kissed by a torrent

and I have a secret.

Transparent

Fading
into the backdrop
of
our sharade

Transparent
 and exposed

Yet
you still don't
see
me

Naked
and alone

You treasure
observing
this mangled
heart

Weeping
and broken

My tears
adorn
you

Enamored
and resentful

I hate
myself
for loving
you

Inhale

I inhale
the breath
escaping
your lips

The air
once
passing
your lungs

Your life
is now
renewing
my soul

I reach
deep within
hungering
for you

My mouth
waters
longing
to taste

You meet
me here
reviving
our love