Good News Falls Gently by Regina Harris Baiocchi

a gathering of women
young, old, sure, wise
many pairs of dancing feet
shuffle soft, red dust clouds

each fan a different skirt
yet all share the same hem
backs and elbows bend to
rise, to fall: to cast one shadow

women chant in every language
with familiar and common voice

some shout sunshine
others hiss moon beams
hands clap thunder
eyes blink lightning

each give birth
to a part of the Earth
that cradles the rhythm of life

a gathering of women
motion us closer, whispering
good news lingers
when it falls gently



 1997 Regina Harris Baiocchi