// From my budding to my unfurling to my bloom, I Am. Once a hardened thing, I have kissed open the balled fist of myself for the sake of the sun on my face, the wind on my skin, the rain & the rain & the rain. My shame [my God] has fossilized. & still I have let Love render me naked & fiery & whole. Whole, my petals stretch & curl & grow velveteen. I burn bright as a warning— no man will ever deflower me again. I preach this Gospel in every small breath— I Am unshaken I Am ungovernable I Am