Dissolve, Until I Was Painted Over: Sammie Hershock

April 8, 2020 Kate Belew with Sammie Hershock (Michigan)

To plant a tree and cut it down 

an act of destruction or?

Making room for newer growth ?

and what of the roots in the earth. 

Give me wings to fly- I like that better anyway

and it's a fair trade for feathers.

.i wonder where we go when it's all over

some strange carnival by the beach or 

home, barefoot on the floor of our mother's house 

and I wonder if I grew up toward her silhouette 

wrapping myself in her shadow and the scent of her perfume 

making banana bread with my hands 

If I'd be big enough for this to pass,

an earthern ship in the night, or if I would sliver of self 

Dissolve, until I was painted over 

but imagine that painting.