A WONDERFUL MOTHER

Yarrow

MOTHER’S DAY
for Sylvia

Flinging birdseed in the grass,
brimming the hummingbird feeder,
the birdbath flush with clean,
cold water, you water the jasmine 
that weaves a fragrant tapestry
on the chain-link fence,
and you pat the soft flesh
of roses, and praise the yarrow, 
and you welcome
the ‘possum and the feral cat
that peek around the corner,
and you mourn the blind, naked baby
ripped from its nest by the bluejay--
You are a guardian of squirrels
and doves that gorge at the feeder--
You stuff so many children
who return again and again!