It is a slow disrobement at first
casual, then passionate at the rousing of the wind
and stranger I stand – warmly welcomed – beneath her arms
stepping on the hem of her clean white cloak
She sheds each piece
She paves the ground for me
Me, the young morning admirer.
But my boots, mud caked by belied kindness
My jacket, thorn torn and faded denim
Am I not just a girl the world has touched?
So I will wash
My hands venture toward her waste
and I see now that blushed blame transfer
lively white hot in my cheeks soaked
from that crimson pierced petal
She drapes over me
and I have a new name, and it is
Humble.
Alyssa Tidwell is a native of Northwest Arkansas, where she is currently a Junior in pursuit of an undergraduate degree to teach English and French. She believes writing and reading are tools of empathy, designed to help us detach from self-oriented routine and fit into someone else’s “coat”.