Iron Cross

by MD Bier

My trans daughter walking among pines and oaks

Her ambling feet whooshing leaves

Image credit: BC Huang on Unsplash

Sap sticking to her shoes

A bicycle tramples her

Face slammed. Rock shards

Eye stitches

Ropes burn bruises

Unevenly shattered

Sap seals flesh wounds

Shredded legs baring tire treads

Beautiful breezy skirt torn and tattered

Pine sap tea bitter but drinkable

Fooling myself thinking you’re accepted

Earth’s gravel wearing away

Hard truths

Wish you wore a talisman of Dara’s Knot woven

Of holly, rowan, sage, and a St. Bridgit’s iron cross

The pines and oaks wildly whispering “Rise up. Rise up.”

***

MD Bier

MD Bier is a binge reader and always has a book or camera in hand. Her writing reflects her passion for social change and social issues. She is part of various writing communities where she writes, and studies with others. Her work has appeared in Steel Jackdaw, Bluebird Word, Maya’s Micros, Burningword, and other journals. Diane resides in NJ with her family and dog where she enjoys gardening and walking.