the ave maria

In the ave Maria I unpacked my tears

Face-to-face with a girl forgotten

I hadn’t thought about in years…

I rummaged around inside myself for the answers

The notes bent into my insecurities

One’s I’d sworn I’d left behind

As a cacophony of sleeping fears awoke

Weaving out to dance with the tenor notes. 

As the memories flooded back, 

And the child within seemed to stretch

I centered myself on that cool, oak bench

Knowing this time, I’d be strong enough

To carry us both, when it went

- b

November 18, 2020