The Work of Light
I sit cross-legged on the sofa
tuck a stick of selenite into the
waistband of my polka-dot pajamas
so it presses against my left lower back
I close my eyes
lay in a field of wildflowers &
tall grasses like the man tells me
The sky opens
a column of white light
tornadoes over my body
Heal my colon
I sing
I am enveloped
by the light
Heal my colon
I plead
My guts bubble & ramble
I am embarrassed by my
desperation
The dog licks my face
I open my eyes
remind my love to bring
the leftover shepherd’s pie
to work for lunch
The light clings to my neck
scurries down my spine
seeps inside
Trust me she purrs as she
straddles my bleeding worries
Hear ye! Hear ye!
Mark your calendars friends! I’m happy to announce the date for my virtual book launch. We will be doing it via Zoom. Specific details for links and such will be available soon. I look forward to celebrating this momentous event with you all!
VANESSA SHIELDS, writer 