Rita Dove
I saw this on a wall in Charlottesville, when we were driving around town. I was in the passenger seat and saw that it was writing, but didn't actually see that it was a poem until I got back that night and read it on a larger screen. I really liked this poem.
"Back when the earth was new
and heaven just a whisper,
back when the names of things
hadn't had time to stick;
back when the smallest breezes
melted summer into autumn
when all the poplars quivered
sweetly in rank and file...
the world called, and I answered.
Each glance ignited to a gaze.
I caught my breath and called that life,
swooned between spoonfuls of lemon sorbet
I was pirouette and flourish,
I was filigree and flame.
How could I count my blessings
when I didn't know their names?
Back when everything was still to come,
luck leaked out everywhere.
I gave my promise to the world,
and the world followed me here."
You can learn more about Rita Dove here.
