By Caroline Hesby, TIWP Student

jeweled eyes with pointed noses
or rounded cheeks
knuckled hands or swollen fingers
swarmed bodies, a low chatter

the feminine nature to nurture,
to understand
to brush another’s hair, to wipe
another’s tears
to embrace with arms or words

squeezing next to each other on 
bus benches, nuzzled like birds into
each other’s wings
sharp eyes scanning for threat
as the mother wolf does

sharing clothing and
cups and
whispers and
woes. 

hearing thoughts without words
sharing feelings in the quiet
crossing limbs, crossing laughter
aimless secrets under starry nights

the soft reassurances,
loud cackles at crude jokes,
the small and innate connections
sacred to girls and their clairvoyant souls