Summer by Robin Coste Lewis
Summer
Robin Coste LewisLast summer, two discrete young snakes left their skin
on my small porch, two mornings in a row. Beingpostmodern now, I pretended as if I did not see
them, nor understand what I knew to be circlinginside me. Instead, every hour I told my son
to stop with his incessant back-chat. I peeleda banana. And cursed God—His arrogance,
His gall—to still expect our devotionafter creating love. And mosquitoes. I showed
my son the papery dead skins so he couldknow, too, what it feels like when something shows up
at your door—twice—telling you what you already know.
MARGINALIA
1.
Have you ever ached for something that was once a part of your body. How you carried something inside yourself, until time wrenches it out of you—and how that is partly an act of love, and partly an act of violence.
2.
Some days I feel I am the one standing with the door open, facing what has appeared before me, wondering if it’s a sign from the universe. Some days I feel I am the self shedding self, and want nothing more than to slither away in my new skin.
3.
How do I love you without being scared, knowing what’s out there in the world. How do I love this world, knowing what it’s capable of. And yet.
endnotes
This poem appeared in Voyage of the Sable Venus by Robin Coste Lewis, published by Knopf, 2015. Shared here with profound gratitude.
Read more works by Robin Coste Lewis • Find books by this poet • Or view my library
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Karen Seashore
Your offerings always touch me. But this one spoke to the wrenching writing and soul work that I am doing now. Thank you so much — it will help me to shed my skin…
T.
I am moved to know that this particular piece resonated with you at such a deep level and in tune with the emotional and creative work you’re currently undertaking. It’s both a privilege and a joy to be able to make this connection that can aid in such personal growth and metamorphosis. Shedding one’s skin can be a painful process, but it’s also an opportunity for renewal and rebirth. Know that your words here have touched me as well. Thank you for sharing your experience.
T.