Jory Post
USA

A SINGLE DEEP BREATH
 
Have you seen the old woman
finger flesh mottled
eyes swollen with cataracts
head bobbing from loose vertebrae
slip wet thread through the eye of a needle?

She stands near a creek's edge
feet blistered with wrinkles
stitching the last patch
turning her ear to the water
listening for the print of your breath.

Will she slip her frail arms around your neck
kiss your forehead with worn lips
whisper secrets in a familiar voice
unfold your finished quilt
or let you walk by unnoticed?

She can extract your heart
remove one section from the next
polish valves and fill chambers with song
return dry blood to a flow
with her simple touch.

Will you lay naked on the patchwork
let her place bony hands
on the slope of your chest
and provide her
with a single deep breath?

Copyright, Jory Post.
All rights reserved by author.