To my mother.

You wrap us all in love and towels

Which go on whispering warmth

Even when lights are out

And beds are empty.

You tune in smooth;

A perfect swoop

To any human cry, 

Give kisses abundantly

As you dance

Wildly, hungrily - 

Never losing yourself.

The lap where I'll always return

For words that guide and teach

Without judgement, 

For arms which find undying strength

In clay and closeness, 

Their daily bread.

I look to you

Like a window, each morning

Following your echoes into my world,

And your smell

Is the beginning, the root - 

A rain-soaked land.