but, when she dances—music
wraps around her body
a ribbon, about to come undone.
Air-thrum, Lip-hum, Hymn-sync
When she dances—no body
can bear to look away.
Heave, Sigh—Thigh, Hip
Sway the heart’s deep, muscular self.
Heat the breath on your tongue, say:
Woman.
Make it a confession.
–
Jane Muschenetz arrived in the U.S. as a child refugee from Soviet Ukraine. An award-winning emerging author, Jane has appeared on KPBS Midday Edition and in numerous publications. Her feminist poetry collection, Power Point, is forthcoming from Sheila-na-gig in 2024.