Everywoman
harbors two hearts
one faithful and
wise as swallows
who return each year
to churches barns
to nest with mate and
brood solidly against the wall
shielded from shearing winds
the storms of chance
but deep beneath the bones
encased and bolted tight
she bears another heart
flapping raptor wings
that ache for solitary
flight to scale the sky
to heights unknown
then plunge to earth
in wild pursuit.
(reprinted with thanks from Baca Anthology)
