Peeling off layers
like old paint
over wallpaper
behind the cabinets.
Somewhere beneath
motherhood
and the part time jobs
and betrayals
and americanos,
stands a body
that does not need
justification.
She can lay naked
relaxing comfortably
in the Open.
The tightness in her jaw
releases
the lined brow
straightens
the hips bruised by childbirth
and toddler-bouncing
come into Balance.
Once more
she finds a distant height
unfamiliar now
so that its new -
the novelty of that
is amusing
exhilarating.
Peeling off layers,
finding hidden colors
she just remembered
are her favorite.