In All That I Do

by Reed Williams

Identifies with the nation of Palestine

My bedroom, bejeweled with books on the floor,
and my first Christmas tree, wrapped in red decor—


dee ban dee bitty ban ya


I wish I could hear you speak some more:
of Beirut beaches and elaborations in Arabic phrases,


dee ban dee bitty ban ya


but instead we’re a pencil erased, wondering whether
biology binds us—searching for signals in your songs—


dee ban dee bitty ban ya


nestled in the California sun now, I observe little lion bookends:
they watch me write, wring, and writhe,


dee ban dee bitty ban ya


balancing paws on golden balls with painted eyes which look from
another time—a sign of protection, power, and pride.


dee ban dee bitty ban ya


and so I cry, thinking of those Christmas lights.
(red is the best color, Great Grandpa)

Reed Williams is an emerging poet in the Southern California region. While her work remains in a constant state of evolvement, she always writes from experience--whether it be physical, emotional, cultural, or intellectual.