I remember walking out
of the tight angry heat
of my father’s house
after his stinging looks
of disapproval
In shorts and tee shirt
I needed to walk out
into the wooded canyon
in the fierce heat of the day
to escape the pain
I remember the relief I felt
The fire of the blazing valley sun
singeing my skin
Burn me sun
Burn me down to my bones
Burn away my un-confidence
my fear of failing
my guilt from
not being good enough
for him
I took off my shirt and
walked and walked through
the rugged oak and manzanita forest
My sweat washing me
and the subtle stink of it
bringing me back
to the safety of my body
Burn me sun
Burn me down to my bones
Burn away his violent eyes
my fearful heart
and the grip of shame
that I have failed him
My feet pounded
the chalky limestone
Anger rose in dusty plumes
that stuck to my skin
A red-tail hawk screamed above
Cry out for your place on earth!
Rise up with me
in the hot wind
and see what I see
Golden hair
Tender skin glowing
Beautiful and wild…
Cry out!
Claim your place
in the land of the living!