the bridge said
I was not surprised. I knew
when her fingers turned to lizard tails
and felt in the weight of her walk a certain purpose
and she was afraid
the river said
If there was fear it left her first
for she was quiet quicker than I
who am older
the priest said
I named her Helen with a holy water
For the losing of the one within her
I could have said at least a benediction
but she too much miscarries her confession
the mother said
Out of my round room she came
cursing and fighting and calling my name
took his land and drank the months from me
Holy Mother receive her
There are no more mangers
the lover said
Beneath this arc of sound and dark precision
she moved where milkweed plants in pod time
hung heavy and threatening
the earth said
In other ways and by the hands of eunuchs
there was an answer
but for her who asked no question ever
this bed not heaven
is heavy with many quilts
if there were wind
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