I've known you all my life-- 
Rumpelstiltzkin too, (so what)? 
I've read the proverbs, tales, 
miracles; 

Death to life, masses of manna, 
son sacrifices, straw into gold, 
(Why not?), calmed seas. 

And there is still all this wine 
and I want water. 

Villagers, messengers, 
prophets seek your name, 
want to watch you dance 
'round the flames, sing the agenda 
of tomorrow; which child you'll take. 

I sit on the shore, listen 
to the conch simulate the ocean, 
swear it is the echo of Jonah; 
screaming to be free. 

If my son returns 
I will name him Jonah, 
ask what he learned 
from the Big Fish, 
read him Rumpelstiltzkin 
and I will no longer 
be torn in two.

©2000 Peggy Putnam Owen