Because I have died and been reborn,
because rarely, I get to glimpse the calm
that precedes worry,
I take the beauty way home today.

Once, I trusted some safety beyond myself
as my ear pressed against your broad chest
to hear another steady beat.

I am left with my own heart
leaning into a sunflower
that beams yellow
from its head of diamond nectar.

When did it ever go easily?

Maybe as a baby,
before my spirit remembered fear
and started clutching at time’s skirts
as they swirled
to let thoughts wrap me
in their brocade of desires.
—

Lisa Masé has been writing poetry since childhood. She teaches poetry workshops for Vermont’s Poem City events, co-facilitates a writing group, and has translated the poetry of writers from Italy, France, and the Dominican Republic. Her chap book, Heart Breaks Open, was published by the Sacred Poetry Contest.