An oyster opens his mouth to swallow one drop.
Now there is a pearl. —Rumi

In a thirsty moment
like an oyster
I’ve taken in a drop
of something
not meant for me
a little something
that’s found a home
somewhere in my center
and my body will caress it
breathe on it softly
add layers of what
I have to give
as I chew and sleep
and plan and think
and talk and
it will one day sprout
sending its roots
deep into my intestines
its leaves unfurling
in my stomach
the stem climbing
up my throat
to choke my days
with fruit finally
ripe enough to pick
finally ripe enough to speak
after they rip me open
they will call it
my greatest beauty