In girlhood I would wake
to feel the sun upon my cheek

a rosy blush
I only thought
would come to rush
         when the bath ran too hot.

Stalling

ripe fruit  fall fast  parch red ground

bend slow  tips reach  knees low bound

pearl hair  old back  late crisp grass

rot pear  old bones  wait not found

Willing

I will swallow you, Jonah.
You will find yourself in the pit of my belly
and you will be closer to me.

I will feel the pressure of your hands,
the undecided steps of your feet.
Hum my favorite notes,
force them deep in my ribs,
and you will know my song.

I will feel you stir until you are weary,
the still weight of your frame given in to rest.
Open my jaws wide
guide the small rays into my stomach,
and you will wake to my light.

You will explore me, Jonah.
You will find yourself in the pit of my belly
and you will not forget me.