Finding Self

How do I find myself

under the layers of bodies

laid inside me?

Like the layers of the earth.

My mother’s body

pressed in prayer.

My father’s body,

pulling a sled of wood.

My past lovers'

reaching out with both hands

to find my center.

Carve each piece out

and lay them on the page.

Examine closely their postures,

their faces frozen in time.

Dig deeper down

to where the nerves are

sensitive to examination.

Excavate them

and pull them out

word by word

poem by poem

till I find the child

curled in the fetal position

crying,

smiling,

cooing.

Pull her into my arms

and love her

scars and all.

Image created using AI art generator Night Cafe Studio.