Lady Under The Palm Trees Poem by Liilia Talts Morrison

Someone from far off regions
wrote me a note of balm
describing me a lady
who dwells among the palms

I guess they never saw me
with seaweed on my toes
and sand soaked towels wrapping
my gritty, salt drenched woes

Nor could they have detected
those oceans in my mind
wild waves of fate entrancing
deep dreams with mangrove twined

For I was born where lapping
of surf and hardship reigned
nights fear of fate undressing
and suffering ingrained

There was no room for ladies
in that cold stone filled land
where food was wrought with labor
by sun baked calloused hands

Time came as planets circled
their predetermined tracks
the yoke of heavy burdens
was lifted from those backs

It was too late to alter
or change the fragile thread
of what would be my journey
for long ago I fled

The land of palms my refuge
with oceans green and blue
and robes of silk and freedom
and grace and beauty too

But I am not a lady
of palms or dainty ways
my heart is ever anchored
in hardship's patient ways

Someone from far off regions
wrote me a note of balm
describing me a lady
who dwells among the palms.