To touch the caterpillar-curve of a baby's thigh
To breathe in guileless oxygen
Breathe out giddy, unshackled glee
To see a sunrise of pink-spun sugar
Or silken sunsets the color of cantaloupes
To mouth a mango's flesh
Taste a plum's orgasmic juice
To bask in an approving smile
But mostly, my dear, my ingénue,
To suck in sharp, quick spikes of choice,
Ether's Own Freedom.

(Carolyn Howard-Johnson's first novel, This is the Place,  tells the story of a young reporter living in Utah in the 50s-a time and place when women had few choices. It has won eight awards.  Her second book, Harkening, has won three.

Learn more at http://carolynhowardjohnson.com . )