These days women
are hiding in their blood,
letting it absorb into a paper
napkin like spilled wine.

In the beginning
they let it flow
over their knees
onto a pile of soft,
velvet leaves.
Femininity was a red
teardrop down
the inside leg.

Bears noticed. Foxes
and deer picked up the
fierce smell of blood.
Women stood high in
the trees and watched,
their knees
crouched, their strong hands
gripping the bark.

Animals saw the piercing
ball of fire in their eyes
and retreated home
to be with their kin.

02/05/2005

Posted on 02/05/2005
Copyright © 2024 Lisa Marie Brodsky