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Testimonial

Back when the earth was new
And heaven just a whisper,
back when the names of things
hadn’t had time to stick;

back when the smallest breezes
melted summer into autumni
when all the poplars quivered
sweetly in rank and file…

the world called, and I answered.
Each glance ignited to a gaze.
I caught my breath and called that life,
Swooned between spoonfuls of lemon sorbet.

I was pirouette and flourish,
I was filigree and flame.
How could I count my blessings
When I didn’t know their names?

Back when everything was still to come,
Luck leaked out of everywhere.
I gave my promise to the world,
And the world followed me here.

- Rita Dove

Created by The Wick Poetry Center
Sponsored by Ohio Arts Council
Poem by Rita Dove, From: On the Bus with Rosa Parks.&�Բ�����;©1999
Design by Christopher Darling