Deep inside me under all the layers close to the warm core lies a bead, a pearl sized bead I look to it when I'm alone I examine each side and slant and curve I hold it tight I let it slip Deep inside me under all the layers close to the warm core lies a bead I grab it when I'm drowning I roll it in my palm gently in circles I keep it still I let it be Deep inside me under all the layers close to the warm core lies a bead, a pearl a pearl
Sonia Chintha is an Indian American writer who lives in the Washington DC area. She blogs, writes poetry, and fiction. She is also an English teacher who believes that our experiences teach us more than any test. She is the founder and co-editor of Good Little Girls.
This year two of my friends are leaving the classroom. One just left last week. The other is considering it. Every time a colleague near
the bouquet of tiny, firm tendrils massage my jaw melting the makeup down the drain I stand holding my breath feeling the gentle pressure on