She Rose

she rose

again

like ashes imprinted
on each foot raised
on the pads of aboriginals
before her

she rose
like the sun does daily
like the moon when she is full
like the coming of the fresh pure breath
of summer

she rose
like the wind
whipping leaves
autumnal
dashing and dangling the smell of Earth into the air

October
she rose

again
like the water
rising
and the ice princess
lifted
she rose
like an altar
looming before her
as a chalice is lifted
hands shaking
solemn
holding to her lips
pursed

she rose that cup
poisons of ages
of murder
and she rose
above the fires
the stakes
the burning pit
the executioners block
she rose
like spirit
above it all
above those beneath her

she rose
like a bird

taking flight
she rose

and the clouds
embraced her

gently.


© Susan Marie