i am not beautiful
by t. zoEy benally

i am not beautiful
by white picket fence standards
i do not fit within edges
of die cut Grable doll
paper wardrobes

i am not golden sunshine & blue skies
no, not milk swirled
with pink strawberries
nor am i wasp, ant or spider

i am curled clay risen
through mud and dried,
crisped in hundred degree plus

i am chei horned toad
i will bring you luck
when you are brave enough
to rub bellies with me

i am pushy winds
to keep you going
when Barbie's clothes gouge
your waist and excess fabric bags
in the front & butt