Debbie Johnson-HIll: ARS POETICA

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Ars Poetica

Untie the weight of expectations, fears, facades, and let them slip from your shoulders, a pool ‘round your ankles.

Peel the doubt and dread, releasing one arm at a time, until your head is the last to be set free, at the moment you panic that you can’t breathe.

Shimmy out of your imperfections, those parts you’ve kept contained or hidden, hoping to sidestep judgment.

Slip out of the undergarments, not stopping until the last silky or cotton shred has been discarded.

Expose your private parts and let your heart beat wildly.

And at last, when it is all on the floor and you glance down and marvel at that heap,

Only then will I listen as you write of whether you are afraid you haven’t accomplished enough, remain afraid of the future, the dark, of getting older, or being alone.

Debbie Johnson-Hill began writing poetry at age 12. Her poem “Harry” was published in The Atrium and White Bear Lake Magazine’s online edition. “One Crimson Leaf” was published in the poetry anthology The View from Here: Poetry to Help You Soar. She has written freelance stories for White Bear Lake Magazine and The Century Times. Ms. Johnson-Hill lives in Mahtomedi, Minnesota.