I was born in your arms
cradled but not protected
shunned, rejected, refused
a starving babe to river’s teat.
I cried colic at your shores;
survived despite your abuse.
Like a battered lover, I, escaped
ONLY
to believe your honeyed promises
to desire your rushing waters
to climb above my station against odds
to find my true love begetting fruition
to linger too long where love dies
I avoided your calls
I dodged your temptations
I surpassed any lack you created
I became, am becoming; power
Infuse me at my request
with the Grand Rapids river’s ravishing rush
pour your shores to return my blood
reunite my spirit with yours
Let’s embrace intimately
passionate with endearing lust
so we may fall in love, again
on my terms.