Dear Mom (in lieu of a Hallmark card and durable, unscented roses....)

Dear Mom

I am in awe

Of your grace

your dignity

your lightning mind

And the fierce curiosity

I find embedded

Like shining ore

In deep veins

In the dark times

If I dig down

Embedded

Like shining ore

In subterranean caverns

In the marrow of my bones

This golden fire

This blood sacrifice

This bountiful heart

This bedrock
These are your gifts to me

And all I can offer

Is this pale reflection

And the solemn promise

To be the mother for my daughters

That you have been for me

Love beyond measure

Your daughter in flesh and spirit

mary