There are so many things
Things I see right now
I see skin
Pale, caramel, coffee
Brown, black, mauve, and tan
Freckles, noses, and lips galore
I see red, blue, purple
Pink, orange, yellow
Brown, black, and periwinkle too
I see flushed and bright pink
Crossing some faces
Calves and butts
Ankles and wrists
Necks and waists
I see blue and hazel
Turquoise and brown
Red and green
All colors
Found anywhere around
I see hands in pockets
Tongues hangin’ out
I hear laughter and sighs
Screams of terror and horror
Secrets being kept and shared
I see a menagerie of things
Some big and tall
Some short and small
But really I see
One thing at all
Woman, that’s what it is
Wise beyond her years
A calm beyond her tears
I see her brave and strong
Standing proud and tall
She is a survivor
Nothing can hold her down
From the first to the last
She’s our future and our past
04-05