Stone Mother

Limbs stiffen,

Lose sensation---
Petrifaction of the bones.

I search remembrance to occupy

The space of minerals constituting

            Human torso,

Like a late river

Push against congregating

            Gray stone ice

            Making this mother

            A statue

            For children to visit

            With flowers. 

Strike my ribs

With Moses’ staff.

Open a hole for water

Where children can splash their feet.

A stream that weeps and laughs,

Washing her stones

Singing them smoothly

            To sleep. 

                                                                                                 Santa Fe, 2004