Testimonial by Rita Dove

I hope this poem brings some beauty to you today!

Testimonial by Rita Dove

Back when the earth was new and heaven just a whisper, back when the names of things hadn't had time to stick;

back when the smallest breezes melted summer into autumn, when all the poplars quivered sweetly in rank and file . . .

the world called, and I answered. Each glance ignited to a gaze. I caught my breath and called that life, swooned between spoonfuls of lemon sorbet.

I was pirouette and flourish, I was filigree and flame. How could I count my blessings when I didn't know their names?

Back when everything was still to come, luck leaked out everywhere. I gave my promise to the world, and the world followed me here.