Birth dressed me by genetic code
changed by the route that I have moved,
a drapery unknown elsewhere,
stretching, beathing, pliable.
Green sapling, soon cork cambium,
hardened leather, given time,
still waterproof but wearing thin,
and parchment will see final leaf.
The blades, pet project, undergrowth,
cut staking claims, contract carvings
and trees, forests witness sale of tale.
I see sure message in the skin,
choices as I read, reflect,
allow or challenge, status mind,
symptomatic, instinct find
best of beauty and wizened sage.
A first responder, front page sign,
headline in a banner font,
here’s unsolicited advice –
who cares for crow or weathered crease –
spread lotion, cream, to smooth the way –
for more than thumbprint who we are?
Like monkey searching baby’s fur,
I pore over sags, hanging bags,
pull and poke, dare squeeze within.
And that’s the wrap that says it all.
Stephen Kingsnorth (Cambridge M.A., English & Religious Studies), retired to Wales from ministry in the Methodist Church due to Parkinson’s Disease, has had pieces published by on-line poetry sites, printed journals and anthologies, including Poetry Potion.
His blog is at https://poetrykingsnorth.wordpress.com/