do you know what the story of Ruth is,
have you ever heard of the woman Naomi?
it is a story of destitution, of lack,
and of providing for your mother, your sister,
your aunt, your cousin, your friend, and yourself.

maybe in the next telling,
the wheat will be toxic, the chaff
unknowing and silent.
maybe in the next telling,
the earth is not benevolent,
removes herself from the circle of women.

maybe in the next telling,
Ruth will stop wondering what love is
and find it in kindred hearts
instead of the heated knock or heavy steps
of adam, prone to failure.