By Kellie Brown
PROMPT — Who am I today?
After Tillie Olsen
I stand here
fretting. Hands clasped,
clenched. Breath
stalled. Dread drowns
fragile, nascent dreams.
I stand here
listening. Ears blasted,
blamed. Muscles
contracted. Words wound
deep, tender recesses.
I stand here
praying. Hands folded,
lifted. Lips
entreat. Petitions part
sheer, celestial veils.
I stand here
waiting. Face upturned,
assured. Senses
alert. Mercies mount
swift, spirited wings.
I stand here
healing. Hands open,
clap. Lungs
expand. Hope quickens
ancient, resounding alleluias.
Dr. Kellie Brown is a violinist, conductor, music educator, and award-winning writer of the book The Sound of Hope: Music as Solace, Resistance and Salvation during the Holocaust and World War II. Her words have appeared in Galway Review, Earth & Altar, Ekstasis, Psaltery & Lyre, Still, The Primer, Writerly, and others. She writes from Kingsport, Tennessee.
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