I Stand Here

By Kellie Brown

PROMPT — Who am I today?

After Tillie Olsen

I stand here

fretting. Hands clasped,

clenched. Breath

stalled. Dread drowns

fragile, nascent dreams.

I stand here

listening. Ears blasted,

blamed. Muscles

contracted. Words wound

deep, tender recesses.

I stand here

praying. Hands folded,

lifted. Lips

entreat. Petitions part

sheer, celestial veils.

I stand here

waiting. Face upturned,

assured. Senses

alert. Mercies mount

swift, spirited wings.

I stand here

healing. Hands open,

clap. Lungs

expand. Hope quickens

ancient, resounding alleluias.

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Dr. Kellie Brown is a violinist, conductor, music educator, and award-winning writer of the book The Sound of Hope: Music as Solace, Resistance and Salvation during the Holocaust and World War II. Her words have appeared in Galway Review, Earth & Altar, Ekstasis, Psaltery & Lyre, Still, The Primer, Writerly, and others. She writes from Kingsport, Tennessee.