if i could change my me today,
i might walk in desert moonlit warmth, 
     or high mountain ridge, warm tropical sultry green 
     with echoing surf calls pulling me close. 
     i'd wear but a slip, skin cocoa butter soft, 
     and brown as a nutmeat, and sweet to the tooth. 
     i'd sing all my words, and laugh at those 
     who would glance at the   picture i was. 
     a hut filled with bookshelves 
     and candles and breads, and  wee pups 
     to snuggle each night that He was not here 
     to wrench me to Him at night in that bed. 
     and regrets would be fewer, and pleasures loved more, 
     and guilt would be banned and love be explored. 
     and i would not care if the chimney were tall, 
     nor my ears shined with jewels or my closets were filled. 
     just give me a tree swing and breeze at my back 
     and friends playing guitars on the 
     white wicker furniture i'd dust with my breath. 
     allow me my health, allow me my joy, 
     place music around me, and clouds overhead. 
     let my trees bear ripe mangos, my feet dance on grass 
     and my children inherit my joy in their worth. 

©`lady/sls 1/99