open me

1986

I did not know
open me
a friend gave
this prayer
to carry in retreat—
the words
in a foreign tongue
did not frighten me
at first

until I knew
their force
open me
sharp sword
of repetition
a blade of love
that carved a track
into my heart
drew blood
and drained
what festered there

I went home changed
not just the words,
but apprehending
how I use them—
piercing acupuncture
heart medicine
open me

2023 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—not final versions.