A New North Star
Welcome, and a warm first hello to the newcomers!
I’m so happy you’re here.
This week’s card is less intimidating than the last, to be sure; after the upheaval of the Tower, we receive the peace of a fresh start. A full basket of blessings rests in the arms of the Star; self-sufficiency, a promise of renewal, and recognition for work done well. She is our reminder that if we can hang tight during the periods of upheaval, we will eventually find a new way, hopefully one that suits us far better.
Background music: “Are You Mine?” by The Lizzy Co Show. (Behind the music: this track is about the feeling of a new crush.)
Axis
I spent a long time learning x-axis,
And then more time finding y-axis, too.
A limited knowledge of dimensions:
As far as I knew, there were only two.
But then a fucking zigzag came my way;
New information, what to do with it?
I’ve learned it’s best to take at least a day
To stop, and breathe, and pause, and sit with it.
Z-axis is a new move I don’t know,
But I’m told I’m allowed to go that way.
It lets me get into a better flow;
It makes the hardest things in life ok.
Three-dimensional movement is complex,
I’m told: “Best brace, or else you’ll break your neck.”
Shamestorm
A shamestorm is a certain type of beast:
Best tie your hair back, winds will come on strong.
Take cover, it blows in hard from the east;
Get to the cellar, now, it won’t be long.
A thousand beating fists leave dents in steel.
“You’re in trouble. No dinner, go to bed.”
“Don’t cry, I’ll give you something bad to feel.”
“Leave me alone or you’ll wish you were dead.”
The shame will wrap its hands around your neck,
Convince you that you’re still breathing just fine,
And once you exhale your sweet, final breath,
Shame dons you like a suit, goes for a drive.
A shamestorm wants to make you a zombie.
Keep your eyes sharp, keep your lovely mind free.
Sunrise
When there feels like there will be no sunrise,
Remember you will always be ok.
When you cannot clear the dust from your eyes,
Remember that your strong feet know the way.
When gravity feels like it has a grudge,
Remember how you used to feel so light.
When all you need is just a simple hug,
Remember you no longer need to fight.
When you feel like you just can’t stand yourself,
Remember that it’s ok to sit down.
When everything is on the highest shelf,
Remember that a ladder is allowed.
When you just simply don’t know what to do,
Remember I will come and be with you.
Little Girl
A little girl is meant to be kept safe;
Not patriarchally, but out of love.
A soft, cozy shelter; a sweet, safe place;
These are some of the things small girls dream of.
A wee person, tiny hands, big feelings;
A person who cannot care for herself;
Remember with whom it is you’re dealing,
Young girls should not be forced to share their wealth.
The sole appropriate touch is gentle;
The only way to speak is quietly.
The single option is kindness to her;
Be careful, thin trust breaks so easily.
To be a little girl: a state of mind.
It happens in strange places on timelines.
Brushfire
Where were you when the brushfire stole the trees?
Asleep? Curled up, so tight, in your blankets?
I hope you understand the worth of peace.
The brushfire burned bright, then said to thank it.
My resin dripped slow, down my legs, molten;
My spines opened, long-stiffened, so creaky.
Above, the sun pierced the night sky, golden;
All around my feet, scattered, piles of seeds.
A forest flame is made for a purpose;
It will not be welcomed by all creatures.
It does destroy. For some, it makes things worse.
Damp flesh will be cut on its sharp features.
The brushfire came, ignored all the road-signs;
It consumed me, whispered to me: “You’re mine.”
Sundress
In throes of hope, bought a backless sundress;
The kind that’s meant to show off summer skin.
I felt the urge to wear a little less,
To bring the hem of my skirt up a bit.
I find the world a safer place to live;
These days, nobody looks with groping hands.
I can look cute, but still not have to give
A single person who wants me a chance.
And when I meet someone who fits the bill,
I’ll make damn sure they know just what I like.
The whole point of being a dress-to-kill
Is having so much fun you wanna die.
I’ve found when I wear a backless sundress,
It doesn’t take much for them to say yes.
Wooden Wheel
A year compressed into a single day;
A loss, a loss, and then another loss.
I cannot stress enough, I’ll be ok,
But lately my poor ship’s been getting tossed.
The test, the question: cling tight or let go?
A wooden wheel strains hard against the waves.
The fish would tell you to join them below,
The birds would say the air is where you’re saved.
A lesson hurts a little less each time,
But questions: they get mean when confronted.
If wishing on a star is made a crime,
I’ll be on America’s Most Wanted.
A mermaid throws tresses over shoulder,
Advises me to be a bit bolder.
Butter
I want to melt into you like butter;
The way it softens slowly, as a sigh.
I want to be your craving to smother;
Lay puddled all around with warm daylight.
The God of Sun can run his hands on me,
His touch, it finds no defense from my dress.
The places where his fingers wander gleam;
Widening, golden swathes cover my chest.
A field of hay beneath my lazy bones;
A thousand souls rest deeper in the dirt.
I’ll take my measure of the warmth that glows;
I will not rush my dive into the earth.
For now, let us swirl into each other;
I’ll be the honey, you be the butter.
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All my best,
Sometimes, I just want to sing your poems instead of read them. Sometimes, I do.