Clay Words

I understand now

That I
must be warmed
Like clay
Softened
For days
Pressed repeatedly
Against gentle palms
Kneaded sweetly
With measured calm
I must be taken
piece by piece
worked with hands
mouth
teeth
legs apart
spine released
careful
concentration
build
build
build
come apart 
repeat
I understand
the time I need
the soft pressure
against resistance
that begs
permission
that says
to listen as words
deliver
a place
to lay back
to bask
in the delight
of being repurposed
reimagined
reborn
stem, bloom, thorn
crushed between fingers
fragrant
nascent hope
lingers at the edge
so close 

as I'm stretched
pulled, molded,
over and over
coming close
to knowing
that this heat
has readied me
has steadied me
has given me
shape
offered me safe
space
to exist
without a need
to be something else
someone else
soft, delicate, self help
begins as hands
work clay
warm, delicate
asking me to stay
letting me know
I fit securely
in any palms
I choose
so long as they use
tempered heat
to soften

my reserve 

with the patience

they know 

it's worth

I understand now

I must be warmed

and I 

welcome

what I 

deserve