The Tales of a Fertile Woman

When I was young

I trembled in the winds

Like a seedling in the storm

I shook.

And the storms

One after another

They marked my youth

My still-green outlook

Did not realize that

These whetstone winds

Rubbed me not raw

But to sharpness

And to strength.

I found that truth

When looking within

I found a full grown oak

That looked to the sky

Straight and not straightened

That looked to the sky

Reckless and heedless

Wanting to live

Alone or with

Someone else

For I had given birth

And was fertile still.

I was reminded that

The children once

Were part of me

Then glowed and delineated

Into their own existence

So that despite it all

All the sorrows and trials

Of this storm-haunted life

A love of life could seize me

Make me restless

And make me still

With deep satisfaction

Submit myself

To its intoxicating fragrance.