She wears the struggle on her face like laundry on a line.
A sagging recollection of the rough years,
gathered all in one place.
Her self-view blemished
in the skirmish with circumstance.
She knows friendliness too and she knows it well
in the eyes of those more forgiving than hers,
the creatures and the trees who recognize her gait
as she rambles among them on nature’s holy ground,
past their rough earth-rooted bodies,
over the spongy carpeting of their forest home.
Sheltering her dignity as the wild ones do,
calming her agitated wake,
woodland breezes rinse the perplexities from her hair
as each inhalation clears her lungs
from the dust of past indiscretion.
Sharp-edged perceptions hang softer now,
strain lines smooth out as restfulness renews
and gladness returns.
Her clear green eyes and spirited voice
emboldened to speak out, as she must, for yet another day.
She settles back into her skin,
head and heart at peace with each other again.
Your voice illuminates the poem’s movement, a journey with graceful intonation, volume, feelings. One is carried through circumstance to peace, in place. The creatures in your gorgeous art piece accompanying the poem depict this feeling, place and journey. Such is your offer of a gift in the forest with wild ones.
Thank you so much for your poetic commentary!
Sending love <3