Near my window
I recline at sundown
to ponder hallowed things.
I asked myself what would it be
not to choose this or that
fear or fallowed wants but
allow chisel in my hand to carve
a masterpiece out of marble
like Michelangelo?
To permit feather brush
dance around blank canvas
painting scenes of my living
like Goya?
What would it be to trust
a feeling then
open shut door
with unwritten storyline?
What if I allow myself drop
into silence that is wider
than anger, rightness
to let myself, yes all of me
wallow inside unknown yet
wake up to days etched inside clarity
surprised at swallow’s magical song
outside my window?
And for a moment in that allow
what if I truly see
despite that which often distorts
and am given language
to bid distortion take her tender leave?
What if I allow allow to be tallow—
the stuff of the candle stick holding my flame?
What if I embark on darkened journey
believing that allow
will enlighten every step of the way?
After teaching in Hong Kong, Marianne Lyon returned to the Napa Valley and has been published in various literary magazines and reviews including Ravens Perch, TWJM Magazine, Earth Daughters and Indiana Voice Journal. She was nominated for the Pushcart prize in 2017. She is a member of the California Writers Club and an Adjunct Professor at Touro University.
