Shear

©2014 Ravenna Taylor, "Shear," oil on paper, 22.5 x 23 inches

SHEAR

Quiet morning in the sun segues now to wind,
again. Sweeping out the corners, casting dusty
wishes to the gusts --
it's all they'll ever know of flight.

My school-age body loved the wind,
my playmate and companion. We ran and wrestled,
we took to swings and slides,
shared everything but my books.

Now we nurse a rift.
She's probably right to push me off:
It's for the best -- I let her rip
my love, tear me from my roots.

©Ravenna Taylor

©Ravenna Taylor, "Visitation 3," gouache on paper, 24 x 18 inches