Dark Daughter
Our love was a raven
It delivered the dark gift
My soul awaited patiently
Like a bricklayer for his stone
Black Mother
Goddess of the Night
She grew heavy with child
Your sex tore at her door
And the birthing began
I was not prepared for the sight
Of the child
She frightened us both
The afterbirth went on and on
Time and again, the midwife
Came and went
Much blood was lost
I am just beginning to regain
My strength, my womanliness
Aching still, this unveiling
Leaves me humble and in awe
Of Her, sensitive and wild
Strong and delicate
Refugee and survivor
Who will not be silenced
By fear or pain
Her dark throaty cry
Cuts the air like a knife
She emerges from an ocean
Of light and longing
And breathes deeply
The crisp Fall air
At night Owl carries her
Back home to me
Under the dark moon Lilith
I tend to her lovingly
And watch her soften
Our eyes grow wide and tender
White owl remains close
Quiet now after nocturnal flight
Protecting the door to my heart
I, like a maid once again, pregnant
With mystery I call my own.
©Fran Carbonaro
Fran Carbonaro is a local voice teacher, who has taught privately in Sonoma County for 35 years. Fran works with both budding and seasoned singers, of all ages, in discovering, honing and saving their voices. She also assists trans women in finding their authentic voice. Over the years, Fran has appeared on stage in the county as a singer, actor and poet. She can currently be reached through her teaching website: setyourvoicefree.com
Beginning in 2019, her new website: francarbonaro.com will combine her work as a teacher with her latest achievement, writing and recording a 14-track CD of spoken poetry and song. It is titled: I’m Still Alive.