“Embryonic Self*,” mixed media, by Clare L. Martin

A tree held in its branches
a womb that carried me.
My strong heart
beat brilliant red
through fluid translucence.
A thick cord
connected me to roots
of the tree
into the blood
of the earth.

Who knew I would experience
such sorrow, such joy
once born into the world?

*Dedicated to Bessie Senette.

Clare L. Martin ©2016