She...(poem)...

 

taste water,

autumn and the best mentioned of her –

be it the truth or some other way of saying

that my mother’s name is Edna

she is long gone yet has given me everything

build stories,

fire and kinship –

calmly speak so there is no mistaking

that my sister’s name is Ruby

she, like all my sisters, shares with me

every instance of this beautiful torment

sit silent,

fasting and on a hill –

breathe life then summon gentle words

because my grandmother’s name is Betsy

and remember that any place you ever go,

she has been there first

get posies,

foxtail and dandelion root –

each a medicine and each her favorite

tell everyone you meet, remember this:

my youngest daughter’s name is Grace

she too is woman and she gives me everything

© 2011 Champsteen Publishing