a big hand grips mine

bull-like and stubborn

while i lie awake

butterflies dangling from the ceiling

i think of snowflakes

in japan when i am five

a girl with long hair, brown eyes

and a smile

playing with goats

pictures under cherry trees

blooming

mother teaches me to pose

one hand on one hip

cross the legs with a twinkle

pony tails and shiny buckles on shoes

my feet in stirrups

and i’m praying to god

everything will be fine