Genesis
Julie Trilling

In the beginning was the girl.
Born of no man’s bone or flesh,
the girl is faultless.

Her hair can be straight, curly,
blonde, or red.
Her hips have curves, or none.
She can play sports, like science.

She can love girls, or men, or both.

She can color her lips blood red,
the walls of her bedroom shell pink,
watch the afternoon sun kiss the lace curtains,
and see that it is all good.

The girl can write poetry.
She can write code.
She can write legislation.

Our daughters paint tiny colored stones,
leave them by the roadside,
talismans for their sisters.

Yeah, we’re still here,
pass it on.

In the beginning was the girl.
Physicist, poet, hooker,
charlatan, housekeeper,
kept woman, president, CEO.

Alpha and omega,
pleasing to the goddess.

Naked, but never ashamed.