the grandest mothers

For my grandmother, Mattie Green. 4 September 2021.

to my mighty protector,
loving, darling, ferocious,
unyielding and spacious
is her heart set for me.
oh, mighty protector,
to whom I cling dearly,
who lets me go wander
my eyes as the sea —
though my loving grandmother
passed days ‘fore your party,
I have not lost a mother,
for joined you has she.

to she who made of me
a gift to my mother,
so gentle and gorgeous,
so sweet-smelling, ye.
oh, kindly gift-giver,
glitt’ring and honeyed,
who offers me beauty
every place I can see —
though my loving grandmother
passed days ‘fore your party,
I have not lost a mother,
for joined you has she.