Another Good Poem

Another poem I found somewhere on the web. This can be thought about to varying levels (!), but whatever, it's got a really good message.

For Barbara, Who Said She Couldn't Visualise Two Women Together

Picture lilacs.
Picture armfuls of lilacs, wet
with rain. Nuzzle your whole face
into the bouquet. Feel the cool drops
on your lips. Inhale.

Picture the ocean
from a cliff.
Stand at the edge, see
how the foam tumbles in
and disperses,
watch this heavy water
undulate until you’re dizzy.
Lie down.

With one fingertip
touch the flat petal
of a California poppy. Lightly
travel the entire surface.
Close your eyes.

Imagine sun on your eyelids.
Recall the smell of wild mint
and the taste of wild blueberries
and the grace of coming upon a doe
at dusk by a river
and she does not bolt.
She lifts her gaze to you
before she goes on drinking.

Imagine damp seeds sending out blind roots
into the generous soil.
Picture the root hairs absorbing the mineral-rich drink.
Feel the turgid green push up
with a force that splits rock.
Hear the laughter.

Barbara, open your eyes.
look at these women. You can visualize
any two
together.

(Ellen Bass)