Earth Tones

My Dear Audience,

I composed this poem in accordance with a creative project assignment, for my text-analyzing class at Montana State University.  We had recently been reading American Indian poetry, and I, confidently thought, "I could do that."  Yet as I wrote in their fashion, describing myself by ways of the earth, I realized it was not an effortless process.  I grew in respect and appreciation for the authors whose work I had been reading.  Additionally, I began to feel connected to nature as I used it as a vibrant and living dictionary.  I hope you enjoy this piece.

I am a stellar jay

flowing and dancing with the breeze as my dynamic partner.

Alighting on humans and locations

to catch a glimpse of souls hidden or be privy to the unseen heart.

I am a sunrise

quietly waiting and searching for opportunity to shine without warning.

Hoping to permeate the frigidity of night

with golden rays containing promise, concealing beauty no more.

I am a monarch

effortfully attempting not to camouflage my nature

But to be noticed and watched by a sea of shimmering eyes

as I soar by.

I possess wings

undeveloped yet one day they will expand stretching to fullest extent

When I have reached full potential.

But for now I flit by

no one can hold me down.

I am a mountain cougar

with a silent soldier’s resilient courage

I confront my fear

hesitantly do I approach.

Search my heart for control

then defend motives and purposes.

I resist attack

no one questions me.

I am a wolf

roaming the winter woods alone

Looking for companions

too proud and formidable to find any.

Strong, courageous, and intelligent

my lover is accomplishment

And to excel becomes my comrade.

Yet I long for friends

to be remembered for kindness

over intelligence.

I am an amalgamation of experience

relationships

choice

            and faith in something bigger than myself.