Evidence

Inspired by  Mary Oliver’ Evidence

I.

Where was I born without a certificate?

Perhaps I don’t exist. Or perhaps I was

born in the moment where

leaves get crisp but still hold tight to their branches.

 

Winter, and the eighteen year olds are shoveling

wishing snow was still magic. It is.

 

Here, happiness isn’t natural but obtainable.

 

And oh do I strive, strive to feel as simply

as the butterfly who lives for

sweet

sweet

nectar.

 

I am designed to move with the wind which

progresses through my hair like leaves applauding

 

Have you ever looked at grass from its level?

cities you’ve never imagined

will become exceedingly clear.

 

II.

There is a difference between growth and growing old.

 

Flowers and people die when cold air through screens tell us

to pull our covers tight, the snow is approaching.

And the flowers wilt.

 

People bloom when we stand feeling

not feeling.

Numbness turns fingers red as the winter sun rises.

The new day grows.

 

Ocean tears are sources of renewal,

their residue sticks to the skin.

Remember this and you are stronger.

 

Those who negatively acknowledge rain drops

Simply have been influenced by too many years without living.

 

She dances in the rhythm of wet hair beating across her chest

Splashes are drums in her ribs throbbing.

 

III.

So who am I to ask for your understanding?

 

One can close their eyes but not their ears.

Fill my ears with beeswax and my fingers still feel

the honey crashing, water falling over the hard combs.

 

The businessman lives his highly systematic life

in his suit.

We are birds, I migrate but business bird braves the winter.

Frostbitten feathers.

 

City girl purges her chaotic desires

I walk in the solidarity of crunching leaves

hoping she might care to replace exhaust with

the renewal of earth.

 

The willow that exists next to granite rock

grows and grows; roots push deeper, farther–maybe to you businessman.

And in the way her foliage moves in the slightest of breath

I find my evidence.