The Country of Soul

When I was born,
this was not my country.

Once you leave the womb
it takes awhile to claim anything-

anything at all.

One must learn to use
the senses: first, touch,

then smell followed by the eye.

Some time later, the heart
begins its lessons, claiming

joy, love and sorrow.

When I was born,
this was not my country

until the soul,
burrowed in the body,

clawed its way closer
to the surface like

an angel shivering
in a deep, dark well.