Recall the transformations you have known~

“If something hurts you really bad

make an icon of it and put it in your sanctuary

hang it from the mirror of your car

or tuck it next to the pillow of your bed

 

“Record the sickening thud and play it

until you fall peacefully asleep

Recall the heat of that searing shame

until it wells up in you like a cool breath

 

“And if a poisonous snake should bite you

make a bronze cast of it and put it in a high place

Then raise your eyes to it considering well

that you are still alive, though changed

 

“See the gaps were you have bled and

take the stitches from your closed wounds

weaving them into a mantle that you wear

for your morning and evening prayer

 

“And if grace and goodness should require

that you look into the eyes of certain death

recall the transformations you have known

and go there knowing well…”

 

~Anne Benvenuti 

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