Exquisite Fantastic: Shirley J. Brewer

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Contributor 4: Shirley J. Brewer, December 13, 2019

All the Fine Golden Threads

Born a sequin, baptized in glitter,
I blossomed in childhood light.
Tender arms wrapped me in filigree.
Grace gave me wings, assured flight.

I wear my changes like an ornament.
Gauzy yellow. Beads of sun in rows.
How to measure the luminous
wires of the heart? Even pain glows.

My favorite color is Gem.
I am Shimmering Goddess Energy.

Title:  All the Fine Golden Threads

Shirley’s Inspiration:  I was awed by Melissa Cormier’s title – Changing and Changed – as well as her beautiful art. (One of the favorite poems I’ve written is called “Making Change.”) Her image of the gold sequins feels so in sync with who I am. My poem evolved from the sequins. What surprised me was my choice to rhyme. Although I usually write in free verse, I always listen to the Muse! “I am Shimmering Goddess Energy” is – and has been – my personal self-definition.

See the work that inspired Shirley here.

Baltimore poet, Shirley J. Brewer, lives in Charles Village near the Baltimore Museum of Art. She credits the BMA with nurturing her growth as a writer, as well as her kaleidoscopic sense of style. And the gift shop is everything!