Sunglow I am slowly layering A tamer tan line. Gone are the days When I’d burn in an instant. I time the exposure, The tilt of the sun From its rim in the season, Protection at its wildest, Freedom at its turn to A point less bright. These days I seek Encouragement in quiet, In the breeze, the woods And waters whispering The sweetness of your name. I am not ashamed Of the white curves Of my body where the suit And clothing lies, underneath The covering from brazen Striking rays. I look in The mirror and pink brushes Cheek and shoulder, even Tawny the tops of my feet. I do not look away. I am all These hues of glory, Alabaster to the gold. On the pool deck I lay open Arms and knees to greet The sky like my warm mother, The shade a shield, my father, Alive with glowing light.
Lauren H. White teaches, writes and gives her daughter piggy-back rides in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She has been published in the The Mighty, Fathom magazine, The Fallow House, and ELLA library’s Reflections on Generosity and Thanks. You can connect with her on Instagram @healbipolarandbeyond and at laurenhwhite.com.
Amethyst Review 