Beauty Eternal

Why a day? Why not a lifetime? Why not eternally? To honor those who produce life and love. The strength of those who came before us and live among us. Our tears fill the ocean, our compassion offers warmth like the sun. Our nurturing gives life to the generations ahead. Remember always that our influence provides and sustains life and beauty that is eternal. With no beginning and no end. Like the flowers that return every spring. Our presence is essential to nature. Never doubt yourself- the instinct you have is the voice of the women before you- it is the word you will share.

If We Are Doorways

If we are doorways, I am standing here
propping the screen open with my hip
ushering in the wind and the dust
my arms are crossed and my eyes crease
watching all the way down the block
watching until it gets dark and then gets light again
nodding to the passersby, looking them in the eye
saying good evening, good morning,
good afternoon, good night
it’s a quiet resistance
against my self-protective impulse
urging a solid thud slam
and bolt click shut
I will stand instead
in the doorway and pretend
it’s this - this is what I want:
to be on the threshold at dusk
the light of my house behind me
all the neighbors’ greenery
exhaling oxygen around me
I keep catching my breath