Forbidden

Old wives say I keep the doctor away.
Sunshine realized, I hang from the tree
like a red monkey dangling possibilities
within your reach. Sleepwalk or wake
up. The choice is yours. Who is this
God you fear so much? I offer everything
right on the tip of your tongue.

Jane Ellen Ibur is a widely published poet who lives in St Louis. She teaches primarily in housing projects, homeless shelters and prison, is lead faculty for the Community Arts Training Institute, co-director of the Gifted Writers Project, and co-host for 12-1/2 years of Literature for the Halibut on community radio KDHX.