Kristen Speaks
Kristen speaks fluent St. Bernard —
and whispers to other creatures, too.
She lives in a world tuned to frequencies
most of us miss,
with talents as rare
as they are true.
Her future?
Sharply drawn.
Gloriously hers.
A map inked in passion and quiet knowing.
She loves best
to speak with her hands —
language shaped in movement,
truth without sound.
Each morning,
she forgives the teacher
who mangles her name,
and smiles to herself,
already walking toward
the life she’s meant to claim.
— clr, 2012