Principles of Bone
In sleep, I return to grandmother's cottage,
blueberry branches scratch my face
and I see the great turtle
out in the cove, her green back
covered with my mother's voice
she will nibble your toes
bring you under the waves,
if you go out too far
And I never understand
too far, swim till my arms ache.
Swim and wait for a great mouth
to bring a small girl
to a place of understanding.
In dreams I am a child
with a woman's thoughts.
In dreams, I know these hands,
my hands
even though they are small.
In dreams I speak to the child
quietly,
tell her which way to go.
© 2002 T.E.
Ballard. All rights reserved.
© 2002 Corrie Ancone.
All rights reserved.