When I was young,
I was a nymph
and a mermaid
and a unicorn.
Like those things
I would not be captured.
I was both bold and shy.
Tonight I hold back silent tears
for the youth I shed,
for the red in my cheeks
that has turned to rust
for the freckles
that have turned to spots
for the fire in my hair
that has turned to snow.
Breasts hang
chin doubles
fingers thicken.
Experience and wisdom
are not the companions
I meant to walk with so long.
As moon rises up over the new greening spring
I want to fling my naked self
against the trees,
into the seas,
upon the laps of virgins
where I will hold my head high
and this time look you in the face
with both eyes wide.
4/25/16