Grow Roughly Like a Girl
Grow roughly like a girl.
Let your roots plunge deep into rich earth,
curl your tendrils around the coals
and hug them to your chest-
bring forth your diamonds.
Travel far among the winter-fed rivers.
Let them sing clear mountain songs, their
milkweed blooming songs, their
sweet bluebell ringing songs, for they sing them
just for you.
Kiss the wild hermit on the cheek. Kiss him
for the way he spins hot sand into glass,
steaming topaz and gold, kiss him
because he smiles at the stars.
My child, don’t forget that church steeples are arrows
showing you home.
