Crack
in the Stone
Sally
O'Quinn
I
have performed my roles behind a veil,
changing costumes, repeating lines
for an audience who never saw me.
I have lived behind walls of stone,
safe—very safe—from a curious
and painful
world.
But
in a careless moment with you
I lifted the veil
and the words I spoke were not
rehearsed.
And even as I hurry
to cover myself again
I notice
(with relief and with fear)
there
is a crack in the stone.
***
Sally
O'Quinn is a native Floridian whose family has lived in Central
Florida since the 1880's, so she has a particular fondness for
works that capture the language and background of the state and
its people. (Lois Lenski's "Strawberry Girl" was a childhood
favorite.) She returns to writing after a twenty year absence,
during which time she raised a daughter and several dogs. A lifelong
fan of Southern writers, Sally lives with her husband, Kelly,
in Haines City, Florida.
©
Sally O'Quinn