Revisiting the McNay Art Museum
San Antonio, TX
I had a habit
when I was young
of going swimming
in ornamental ponds
it was inconvenient
for my mother
I always wanted
a nearer look
at the big orange fish
napping in the sun
to inhale the scent
at the center
of the soft deep pink
lily just out
of easy reach
I have never seen beauty
without the desire
to stick my face in it
I am too old now
for this to be charming
but here I am
still needing to change
clothes soaked
close to skin
because I could not
say no to myself
or to the flower’s
upturned belly
open to
our shared star
fragrant
and glistening