Learning

Artwork by~Alexandra Gallagher; Digital Collage, 2012, New Media Art "Owl"

Learning

I never learned to type

or read a map

The backward roads of my mind

the compass of my heart lost

I never learned to read the notes

singing by ear

memorizing each song the first time

the music floating through my soul

I never learned to add without my fingers

the nonsensical numbers

the teachers fist pounding on the desk

angry and frustrated

I would sit in the hall trying not to cry

My mother says that I learned to read

by the time I was four

lost in each book

escaping from my stupidity

I could stand on the stage

pouring from my mouth

capturing their eyes

the first time I felt good enough

auditioning with my head held high

I never learned to believe I was pretty

sometimes staring at myself in the mirror

distorting my features

avoiding my gaze

He tells me all of the time

the beauty is within

I catch him looking at me

my body holding shame

The movement of my limbs take over

the rhythm of my breath

is where my peace begins

escaping from thoughts of failure

finally learning that who I am

is enough

Angela Minard 2012©