Sing

1
When I was small & it rained,

 my brother & I shrieked

            while we raced paper boats

                                      in the stream
                                                               to the gutter.
                                                        
                                                      Our boats toppled,
                                                      but we ran after them 
                                                                                even so.

        When thunder came                         we weren't afraid.
        We answered clouds                         with screams.
        We harmonized                                 with roars.

2

I snatched leaves from the maple / to read the scarlet mite galls like braille, / as if nature had the answers I wanted.  / The spring peepers chanted. / A screen door cracked shut. // I once scribbled on a receipt, “I am paper / needing ink,” but what I meant was, / “My body needs a voice / or else I’ll die.” // Dolce.  I always smile. / Pianissimo.  I will be quiet. / Decrescendo.  Because it’s safer.

3

I waited for permission 
to be the thunder, the frog, 
the screen door.  When 
it didn't come, I determined 
to make my own melody.