Arriving Safely (for Mama) HOME POEMS
1.
We drove to Cape Cod, singing loudly to Bonnie Raitt
we walked across the beach
and into pine woods
shaped by wind
After hours of wandering, we realized
we were completely lost
panic gave way to laughter
as we tromped over sand dunes
we gave up finding the car
and sat by the ocean, watching the sunset
Then suddenly, without effort
we knew the way back.
2.
I have held always the image of you, swimming out
into the Atlantic, alone at night
to release the child
who would have been my sister or brother
small circle of blood
into the salty water
You swim strong, one arm cradling
one arm pushing through dark waves
I know I was not there
but I feel myself,
anxiously waiting on the shore
for your safe return.
3.
It's not the cancer that hones us
it's the deep pulsing love
a knife we wield, shining off the water
like the sun,
like all that laughter
It cuts you free
and we swim together, at last
clear to the other shore.
Me, Mama and the Moon