The bamboo rod stretched across her back
Sinew, bone and muscle woven firmly into her shoulders
Enormous bamboo lily pads hanging evenly
Balanced piles of fruits and vegetables
Orbs of green and gold and red
Her eyes, shaded by her conical hat
Were shy, guarded, cast down
We were divided by culture, language, and size
She briefly looked up, only a glance
But then she lingered as I offered her a slight bow
Just barely tipping my head
We were women, East and West
Different soil beneath our fingernails
Separate suffering, yet much the same
A nod, barely seen
As the corners of her mouth lifted slightly
Time paused as we held the gaze
Walls of language, custom, and dress converged
And melted
Sugar mountains in a pouring rain
Janet Elizabeth Hartwick Sterk
Sue Ready
lovely imagery unfolds with your poetic voice
HealingJourneys
Thank you!
Rick Monteith
Beautiful
HealingJourneys
Thank you Rick!