(a poem about repression)
_____ by Rebecca Strait

She had fecund imagination
and a taste for spicy foods
she liked to suck sour plums
wear her hair in natural twists
and dance to the beat of her own drum
she took pleasure in having the freedom
to live alone and nap whatever time of day it was.
She was on God's time...
She was cute, bubbly, spirit-full
and had a stride in her step.
She was even more beautiful
when she arched her neck (in the doorway of her home)
and exposed the sweat that rose to the surface
because of the thought....and presence....of you.
She never wore make-up
and never polished her honey colored toes
I doubt even if she shaved her legs...
She couldn't possibly destroy the smoothness
that lied therein.
Her smiles always had a "question" behind them;
she wanted to make sure that she got your joke
and that you understood her patios
that she, often times, got carried away speaking
when she got extremely excited
about your conversation.
She likes you because you are Spirit--
full as well, bubbly, and cute.
You make her think deeply....and deeper.
Careful--do not ask your Self why
for you can never see all of the joy she sees
when she smiles at you, offers you
one of her sour plums, ginger root,
or a whole egg sandwhich
which was bought for only you...
Careful not to question the lust that you are feeling
and bring it to her attention,
for she might withdraw and never come out
of her shell again
to laugh, commune, and debate with only you.
Careful.
You have her heart in your hands
and it still beats for just you....
Careful...real careful....
This woman needs the room, freedom, pleasure
and the space to breathe, heal, and smile again
in her own Divine time.
Careful. Be very careful I say.
For when you finally admit that you love
and want her too,
she might be shocked (at the thought of being "exposed")
and just might change....

Copyright © 1999. Used by permission of author. All Rights Reserved.