Ode to Revival 

by Shannon Cunningham

 

Tiny, untamed python—

don’t strangle me just yet.

My bones aren’t broken, by

the taste of shame or the kiss 

of bitterness. I have felt the fibers 

of silk on my thighs and told comfort 

to touch me. I am proof of the excited, 

of the worthy, of the quenched. I was bathed 

in sweet milk and allowed the sun to dry my skin 

with her yellow. I am running into the arms of promise 

to live safely in her gracious womb. Let me find the field 

between breast and belly. Let me wander to the window and 

blow out the dripping candle. In this house        healing begins. 

 

In this house,

 

                    I’ve found God.

back to University & College Poetry Prizes