My body tells the story
by Kari Tauring

I know many folk who carry scars and markings on their bodies

Mothers stretched in birthing beyond their ability to stretch.
Mothers who's babies came safe at last through the skill of the knife, saving life.
Mothers who got in the way of a man's hand to spare that life a beating and got out alive.

Children who's knees are ever marked in honor of that first tried Ollie.
Children who fell down stairs and out of trees or got hit anyway.

Shop teachers who sacrificed to the joint - passing sacred knowledge of wood and mathematics
Old Shop teachers who's hearts failed them or their joints gave in

I know folk who got tattoos running up and down their backs and legs and some who change body paint for clothing
and some who make paper into dresses and

I know folk who buy new shoes every spring
whether they need them or not

And wear their markings like a scroll of accomplishments
Just honoring their changes
Just honoring their changes

April 13, 2005