Poem

Becoming

Johanna Merwin

The sunshine spreads upon the shore

And foamy waves advance in war

Against the sand and beach

That fights against those waves to keep

A semblance of itself

“Come out into the great unknown

Let me show you mysteries sown

Into the fabric of this fight

And lead you to darkest night

So you can find yourself”

“I can’t! I can’t!” protests the sand.

“I won’t submit into your hand

You do not know how small I am

I am too small, you understand,

To do this to myself.”

“Yes you’re small and do not know

All the good I have to show

You must not fight, resist no more.

It’s time you know the things in store

When you become yourself.

“I do not trust, though I will go

Into your arms, into the throes

Of everything that makes me fear

With all the things that I hold dear. 

I want to be myself.

The sunshine dances atop the deep

Below the currents stretch and sweep

And hold the small one in their arms

As she discovers all the charms

Of loving herself.