DRAWING LESSON

Here you are, most with a world ahead, some with half a world behind, come to draw the human form. And here I am naked before you so comfortable, easy in my eighty year old skin.

I love my folds, metamorphosed mountains. You think you can draw an old woman, dear babies? Lean in, look hard. It will cost you all your life.

I have been down deep, through muscle, sinew, bone. Loved long a man long dead, borne a son and let him go. I am learning how to pray and I laugh when you ask me to tell.

In my time I have come to the heart’s solid core– heat of life and more– Now over you I pour my fire like water. From where I lie I see the place the stars will rise.