Testimonial

Back when the earth was new
and heaven just a whisper,

back when the names of things
hadn’t had time to stick;

back when the smallest breezes
melted summer into autumn,

when all the poplars quivered
sweetly in rank and file . . .

the world called, and I answered.

Each glance ignited to a gaze.

I caught my breath and called that life, swooned between spoonfuls of lemon sorbet.

I was pirouette and flourish,

I was filigree and flame.

How could I count my blessings
when I didn’t know their names?

Back when everything was still to come, luck leaked out everywhere.

I gave my promise to the world,

and the world followed me here.


— Rita Dove | @rita_d0ve_

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Art — Julia S Powell | @juliaspowellart

This and other poems can be found under Resources > Poetry