A Clearing of My Own Making

*This is a poem I wrote recently that I felt was inspired by Toni Morrison’s book Beloved*

I have been forming a Clearing.

Yes I remember you Mother Morrison.

Your poignant words ring so clear in my mind.

In my heart. My soul. And in my spirit.

I remember the Clearing where Baby Suggs Holy

Opened to her people… her great

Big

Heart.

My Clearing isn’t that fancy.

It’s quite ugly to tell you the truth.

It’s misshapen.

Weeds grow in places.

There are projects left undone and plants grow wild.

Overgrown trees threaten to dominate the landscape.

But here in this backyard? We flesh.

Rabbits hop through.

Bees buzz. Flies flit about.

Squirrels tumble wildly through the trees.

It’s in this place that I open.. my

Great.

Big.

Heart.

Here I don’t have to perform.

Here I lay my worries

And my burdens down

And I…am at peace.

I feel the wind on my face.

I touch my neck and remember

That in this place I am protected.

Here in this place my flesh is sacred.

Beautiful.

My soul takes flight.