Creative

What Would You Tell Young Women?

Between possibility
And stark raving reality
Lie dreams
Stroke them until they purr
Caress them until they are smooth
Like ice
Sing to them until your voice is hoarse
Then sing some more

Between possibility
And stark raving reality
Lies truth
Clothe it
Until it glitters
Pursue it
As your first and only true love
Wonder at it
With the eyes of a child at Christmas

Between possibility
And stark raving reality
Lies hope
Believe in it
As the most holy presence you touch
Confront it yelling
When you don't believe
And when you are most weary
Find it
Around every corner.

Debra Lands is a poet and writer. She lives in Seattle with her daughter and son.