In a gap in the downpours
I tie my child to my back
And disappear into the woods.
We follow the tracks
The sun edging further and further
Away.
She is heavier now,
A far cry
From the fragile baby
Of three years ago.
I, a woman
With a woman's body and burdens
With sorrow that has lined
My eyes and lips
And yet my heart feels
Younger and more tender than before.
We jump over rivers
To the dark felled trees
The forest, she is breathing
To the hymn of my longing
To disappear
Here we hide
From man and mask
And stand in the pouring rain
Dripping down our hair
Not quite lost yet.
My solemn girl
With my wide, hazel eyes
Clings on tightly
Peers over my shoulder
Into the darkest of days
Says stoutly,
"We can do it, mama"
- Jenny Wren
