Nana at 21

Once a girl came to the store
to buy stationary for her heart;
she bandaged her wound
in expressive phrases
and tied it all in place with
sinew from her strength.

Every time she changed
this emotional dressing
the world sighed with her:
such beauty formed
from her torments.

Miracles still transpire
even deep wounds heal
so that the dark blood
from childhood sores
came to be replaced
with the blessings of life,
tears of joy and
laughter with friends.

This child came to woman
in the company
of we who love her
for herself and for life.