Listening only for a moment 
to sounds
other than the pull of the tide 
over the sandy rocks
emerging from the fiery waters of the sun 
like Lilith 

	Why have I been cast down 
from my proper place?

Strolling by 
they may see nothing 
or possibly the creative force 
two separate beings 
admiring themselves in the mirror 
stretching their arms to the sky 

	Why the blindness, always
	the return to the pain?

Sitting in the middle of the path 
the sandy circle 
just above the rocks 
the two sides parting 
melting into the sound
of wind through dune grass

	Why must his words break me
like a red stripe of nails up my back?

Waiting for the sun to descend
the breeze blows goose bumps up my bare arms 
the heat calling me back
I shiver less now
cozying into the warmth 
of the shirt he has provided 

	Where has the magic 
	gone?

Pulling the sunglasses up 
from the bridge of my nose 
to mute the brilliance
of my Father's gaze
bending to bring it all inside
flowing like a torrent set free 

	Why is there no end to
	this child's game?

Growing intolerant of the squeal of human voices
I shatter my own delusions of grandeur
his seeping through
his fingertips, strumming
wanting to wrap my arms around his waist
feel the weight of him on my chest

	Why do I push
	 him away?

Needing silence,
my big sister of contemplation
I grit my teeth 
sigh loudly 
like Lilith in sunset glow
walking into the night asking 

	How will I, Mother, be returned to
	my proper place?