PERIPHERY
How shall I speak of
the inequities
and distances visited
upon the flesh
of this separate woman
when I see wives
embracing the mitzvot
lighting their candles
tithing their dough
and returning with the moon
to the cleansing waters
in a welcome rhythm
of preparationcounted with those
who follow the law
like fields of sunflowers
glorious
who are my people
Life on the periphery
has not been conspicuous
for its nobility
and access
Hilary Ash
January 2004
