Jeanne d'Arc

This is a poem I have to perform.



Jeanne d'Arc
by Susan Ludvigson


To be chosen--


my small body rejoices
at the words,
encases itself in silver
more lovely than silk.

Not to stay in the village
and marry the miller,
his babies heavy in my arms
as loaves of bread--

not to be God's bride
dressed in the long black robe
I've secretly names a shroud.
needing always to chasten myself
for my shimmering dreams--

but Christ's innocent mistress,
Lily of war!
Still, I can scarcely believe
how each time I speak
the sky brightens.

When the voice first came
from behind the dark trees
I sat for a long time, trebling,
Now my skin
burns, imagining how it will be,
the horse between my thighs,
a thousand men behind me
singing.

Wish You Were Here

I always forget how much it sucks hanging out with couples. It leaves you feeling empty inside, even more so when you know how it feels to be filled. It was wonderful spending time with my adopted big brother and getting to meet his girlfriend, but when Greta turned to me and said she missed Daniel, I told her I completely understand. I was feeling the same way, only about a different guy, of course. :)

Today is worse. I am completely alone now. At least yesterday I had another single friend with me, and Daniel wasn't there to make it worse. But today, I don't even have Greta to give me a hug and make it a bit better for a while. I can only look forward to the next time I will see him.