The Gifts that Bind

(Visiting Mummy’s grave, Massachusetts National Cemetery, Cape Cod, MA, November 24, 2013)

“Be grateful for all you have,” you said,

“Cherish what you’ve lost, but let it go;

Spread joy; hold your tongue,

Banish worries with a shrug. 

Heal your sorrows, unbidden.”

“Love the good in Thanking,

Make amends to those the “good” abused,

Love the kids, the moms, the dads, 

Who came before, who may yet come.”

Like a wounded dog, I licked my wounds 

whenever I promised I would.

“Most of all respect the Mother,” you said

Replenish Her, keep her, care for Her.

For She is Life and She is dying. 

If you transgress,

Unintended consequences follow.”

Wisdom imparted in silence, echoes on cold stone, 

yellowed grass, rustling leaves, bracing wind. 

I did not understand.

Earth’s energy is rising in me, slowly, slowly.

“Breathe in love, breathe out love.

Breathe in life, breathe out life.”

Thank you, dearest one.

Now The Mother calls to me, 

Her wisdom dissolving my resistance

Releasing my spirit, dancing blessings into being, 

in tune with a symphony made of Her parts:

The sun to hold me, 

The stone to ground me, 

The wind to carry me,

The rain to cleanse me.

Your memories to guide me. 

Nothing left of me,

Nothing but the gifts you gave,

Gifts I've shared,

Gifts I've cherished,

In loving memory of you.