for our jayebird

How to put the Earth onto a page

Her hair the wild rim of the sun

Eyes blue with the love of water

Backbone seasoned, resilient beyond any other I’ll ever meet

The one that carried me into the fight.

She has born more life than most

Me and my lucky sisters

Our neighbor whose parents were too busy to hold her -

Or any other

who just happened to be crying near you

With tissue in hand you help every time.

Do you have any idea the number of hearts you have saved from the rain?

Every memory I have of you has taught me something

Every memory I will have you will teach me something;

You are complicated

As all good, intentional people are

As I am because I am you

Taught by you.

Every word you have said has gone down my very throat

All guidance and drive, edified to me

In all the independence I have

Climbing trees that terrify you.

But that’s alright

Because before either of us go to bed

We each will know

In the marrow you made me with

You love being my mom.

So here is my chance to turn your head back -

Look at every warm smile behind you

All with far less aches for having known you.

I’ve seen a stranger’s face when it dawns on them:

I am speaking to a force

Who is never passive

But all the same you trust the waves as they carry you

As you carry us.

If there is any balance in the world, as you have taught us there is,

Then the other weighing scale of you

Can I be that?

Made of the same metal, filled with different troubles

reliant to keep each other up

But forever seeking balance within and between us.

You with the inexhaustible heart.

You with the steadfast light of guidance.

You with all the nature of mother.