"FACINGFACES 2002 - 04" SELECTED POETRY

PURPLE


Still while our beautiful boy
swam in the dark red of my belly,
you marked my breasts purple yellow

Stroked corn-silk hair of our babies,
then dragged me from the belly of sleep
with your fist and
the palm of your hand

Pushing against hate and shame,
beating an elaborate tattoo on flesh and bone,
skin blooming into flowers
of knowledge and silence

You did not even ask my forgiveness
but waited instead for the
redemption of morning


Pippa Brush
UK - USA
copyright 2002