A Poem by Marie Reinstein

Encountering Me 

53

by Marie Reinstein

I’m about to open the folder-

amber aged and edge-curled, treasured.

“Donovan” in hippie letters adornment all.

As always—in the bottom left

drawer of whatever desk I utilize.

Written some 30 years ago, telling

tales, relating woes—youthful despairs of

identity, maturation, growing pains. Ailments, malaise: ennui.

In search of my first erotic poem. What else

will I find there on this eventful eve for my

current erotic poems. I am 53 now. I may

I think at last understand the sensate lures.

May at last be, the sensate me.

So now I’ll turn my attentions inward

and in doing so hope to find, to examine,

caress and adopt

the child/girl/woman

that was

me.

I am

all that

I am plus that poetess

prolific long ago

and when my acquaintance ripens into

love, I will have found myself whole.



The Summer Gazebo Readings feature 4 author/poets each Monday evening in June, July and August, 7 pm at Schoolhouse Green in Oceanside, NY. See the links to the right for our schedule and directions. Bring a lawn chair and come on down!