Worn in Rapture

I.
The wild way we live—
receiving the sun after a starless night—
we make the stars our eyes.

Awakening to the soul
inside and outside of us.
Beating our heart-drum,
finding its rhythm,
learning to play again.

II.
Mud-covered, head to toe.
Why didn’t I do this sooner?

Rain paints rainbows in droplets on my skin.
What was I waiting for?

Baking—
I, an earth-caked woman,
in the sun.
Was this what all those ancient figurines were created from?

Giving meaning to the sounds I make
and the sounds I hear made.

I could do this the rest of my life, every day.

Held by what I knew as a little girl—
the sun, and all it shines upon, is for me—
and you.

The starlight,
millions of little candles, bright—
for me—
and you.

This life—
right now—
is ours, belonging to.

III.
I cry—
missing the riverside of my youth.

My tears sing a sacred song of belonging
to river rocks—
sandstone bar.

Rapid water takes my eyes—
on you,
as I plan my way around your sweeping rush.

The danger of slipping,
being carried through violent leaps—
water hopping over ridge and rock—

pooled together, perfectly cinched,
making pressure enough
to run fast.

Tree tops sway,
dancing shadows over my skin.

Give me sun-peeks through branches
and I’ll light up—
golden—
my love, for your touch.

Legs cooled in the water, strong.
Hands soaked in land, my home.

Bottom caked with sand—
couldn’t care less.
It’s for the best.

I love to do the rear-end dance when I stand.

Coppertone bottle left unattended—
I learn what scent will be
my dream come true
every time I find it.

Give me what isn’t bought, Man, oh Man—
and I’ll curve my smile,
my body,
my life around you—
with reckless resolve.

You’ll have to keep up with me—
I warn you.

IV.
Swimming alone—
never do it, I’m told.

I didn’t.

The moon knew my naked skin,
and I knew Her face.

We mirrored each other
like my life depended on it—

full of thirst
and longing to collide.

River-wide,
spread over ripples—
light of my eyes—
greatest need.

The moment I dove in,
my first taste of moon water
was there in that river—
worn in rapture.

Moonlight Spiritus