Maureen Martinez - How to Pass as a Woman of Faith

Emerging poet Maureen Martinez slows us down for a moment with her hybrid prose poem “How to Pass as a Woman of Faith”. Maureen’s poem feels as though it’s almost two poems in one. The Dewdrop encourages you to read “How to Pass as a Woman of Faith” in its entirety, and then only read the three single lines following each prose stanza. Slow down. Breathe in the moonlight. Let it out.

How to Pass as a Woman of Faith

I think it’s about forgiveness. – Don Henley, “The Heart of the Matter”

These long trees know my Jeep. Once owned by Tom, an old hippie living
on the outskirts of town. A gentle soul whose breath left years ago. Reclining
with parrot feathers tucked into a dog-eared book by Thich Nhat Hanh. Birch
and pines escort me past. Understand how his generosity changed me. Suggest
I pay it forward.

———-inhale with the moon in lotus on the golf course

These long trees hear my petitions. Listen with attentive leaves to my hand
wringing, wheel gripping pleas for safety, safety, safety. They stand, shoulders
back. Hold up signs as I pass. Lock roots with Rosanna. Salute. Wave me
through my marathon. The opposite of unscathed.

———-let Her fullness set in your chest

These long trees send messages from mom and dad. Tap the windows as I pass.
Draw a smiley face on the glass in the condensation. Blow raspberries in response
to my serious expression. Tell me to select my best 80s playlist. Show me again
how to raise it.

———-exhale blue stardust, dawn sky

Maureen Martinez

Maureen Martinez (she/her/hers) is a late-blooming, emerging writer and irreverent woman of faith working as a counselor in a New York City Catholic high school for over 20 years. Her work has been published or is forthcoming in Folly Journal, Gramercy Review, Prime Number Magazine, Boudin, Red Door, Artemis, Bar Bar, Creation Magazine, Lone Mountain Literary Journal, Washington Square Review and others.