To Marie, in Flight

For women
perspective is more easily maintained.

But something in my body
teaches patience
is no virtue
every month
renews its own destruction
while my blood rages
for proof
or continuity.

Peering out of this
pressured metal cabin
I see my body patterns
repeated on the earth
I hear my blood breath beating
through the dark green places
between the mountain’s thrust
without judgement or decision
a valley rhythm captures all.