Girl In Yellow Grasses

Tall Girl in Yellow Grasses

 

I was born in lush greenery,

my mouth shut in a small line.

A residue of life water clung

to my face in wetness and wax.

I was oddly tall in a country

of tiny people.

I was female and unfortunate

in a country that loved men.

By ten I was taller than my mother.

My large hands could not fold

dumplings or delicacies.

My feet stomped with intimidation,

and I could not find grace.

In the house of prayer,

my teacher tied amulets around

my neck against the jinx of evil.

My father sent me to the land

of yellow grasses.

I lived in the shadow of a cold

mountain, and wept for greenery.

I grew wise and pretended

to have visions.

I became a spy of intimate relations

and repeated them back

to the seekers for profit.

Now my people love me.

Now I am reverent and kind.

Now I am tall enough to see

past the smallness of my people.

Reviews

[Marie Anzalone]

It is imminently difficult growing up "different" in a place where there is value in the sameness of things. It is darn near impossible to outgrow the feelings of resentment, and look upon the ones who shunned you, with compassion and grace. Outstanding in every way.

[Larry Dyson]

powerful...well spoken from the heart and from the knowledge of life...I like it!

[Emily B]

I always find something of myself in your words. It is an amazing gift that you have.

[W.k.kortas]

Not only is there height but almost immeasurable breadth as well. What I would give to be able to write something like this.

[Ed Hart]

you certainly are