Song of Myself

By Paige Barker

I am closed eyes and raised arms,
Icarus,
White skin drinking in the sun

My roots are set deep in the soil,
Blue grass,
Blue collar,
Hearts of gold and mercury

My song is an easy one—
Composed and conducted by the wind in my hair,
Ever changing, ever new

I am Niobe’s tears,
Janie’s love,
And Plath’s confession

I hum my song,
A symphony of dynamic and style,
My spirit the marching of soldiers’ feet,
The beating of children’s hearts,
The flutter of lover’s lashes

I am waves and shore,
A syncopated dance of rise and fall

My song is heartbeat and flamenco hips,
Lost and found,
Lost and found