Rebecca

I will never forget Rebecca from grade school,
the one with a bony right arm, shoulder bones
protruding out of her tank top's arm hole,
she seemed not to be overly conscious of it.
I looked at it often. Why her left side
normal and right side skin and bones?

I wanted to ask her about it, but I remained
silent. Later, I heard she had polio.
I wondered if she was in pain. She never showed it.
She was courageous, strong. Her words gentle and wise.

We often met on the school yard during recess,
bouncing a big, red rubber ball
on the blacktop—throwing it, catching it.

She glowed like sunshine, fair skin,
blond, shoulder-length hair and glistening
eyes like faceted aquamarine jewels. Her smile
of innocence, her presence an inspiration.

A big sister to me—my playground buddy,
making the best of a friendship.
She became my beacon of truth and light.
Maybe she was thankful to have me
as a friend who treated her like a normal person.

Invention

If you walked into a healing chamber,
        would you use it?
I want to make a glass room
in the shape of a pyramid
where you can walk inside,
lay on a table to rest.
You can close your eyes,
        meditate.
Say your prayers.
Let your troubles disappear.

If I invent a sonic machine
hooked up to the chamber
        will you believe in it?
I want your afflictions to go away,
sure as the sun warms you.
You will be free
of diseases that destroy
your precious body
that should last in spirit,
for eternity.

If I install a steamer
inside the chamber,
        will you sweat away
        the toxins built up inside you?
Your skin will freshen,
pure and plump, supple
as a baby.
You will be happy and hydrated,
filled with positives
that spark your life.

A Healing Tree

If I were a tree,
smooth and tall with a narrow trunk
a little hip, no knots or age spots,
no dry cracks or oozing diseases,
I would have many branches.

Big leaves that make music
together, reach for blue skies
on a warm summer day, bear edible fruit
for you to eat, keep you happy and whole.

I would strip part of my bark, grind it up
treat you to a tea for whatever ails you,
crush the leaves, blend them in water
use as a poultice until your sores disappear.

I would give you my roots to chew like gum
to cure your allergies or sore throat, or grind,
pour it into capsules and take as a pill, purify
all your parts so you can feel brand new.

(2007)