I once took comfort
In the refuge of you
And your turbulent sea
I once offered up
The wholeness of me
That way your waters
Chiseled at
The sharp corners
Of my pain
That way your waters
Swallowed my story,
Shattered me, and
Spit me back out —
Resurrected on your shore
Like an unexpected gift
Round and smooth
I stay, desperate for you–
Put in a pretty bowl
On top of your pretty shelf
Admire me from afar
Make me something else
Make me someone else.
Brandi Kary is a mother, educator, and poet who lives in Pacific Grove, California. She’s taught English and Creative Writing at Monterey Peninsula College for many years. Aside from loving words, Brandi loves to lift heavy things. She’s a competitive powerlifter and currently holds world records and national records for bench pressing and deadlifting.