dear skin,

you have been the cup of my life
embracing the everything mystery called me
during those years i never thanked you—
employed as you are
to bear both the scars and joys of my existence
someday you will be dust
returning me to the inscrutable All of love, laughter and stars
when that day comes
you will know a new breath
and oh the touch
that you have always longed for

Sr. Lou Ella Hickman

Author Bio: Sister Lou Ella Hickman is a former teacher and librarian. She is a certified spiritual director as well as a poet and writer.  Her poems have appeared in numerous magazines and journals as well as three anthologies. She was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in 2017. Her first book of poetry entitled she: robed and wordless was published in 2015. (Press 53)