Curriculum Vitae

I am a dreamer
 in a land of doers

Scribbling’s my idea
 of a good day’s work

My vita is a list
 of the books I’ve read

My references are authors
  I’m proud to call friends

I dance to The Nutcracker
  when no one is watching

And sing Vissi d’arte
   to grandmom’s old Victrola

I’m la femme des longues patiences    
    slowly emerging from her shell

La femme gelée
    still trying to thaw

Writing to prisoners  
    and visualizing world peace

But most days you’ll find me in a cafe
     on the Place Monge

Still hiding from my parents’ nocturnal battles
     and watching the passers-by