17.  The Yesterday Girl

Struck down and unloved,

And how can I say anything

They say is wrong and vulgar

And dripping in sin when I dip 

My toes from time to time

Only to find the water warm 

And waiting?

It’s an act of face against

The water’s glass,

Looking at my reflection

But looking deeper 

Into all the yesterdays who made

Me what I am.

But Your hand unplucking

The seams and redressing 

The hem,

Until my edges are smooth

And I no longer know me

As the yesterday girl who lives

Toe-deep in this mystery

You have called my life.