Turtle Mother, Moonwater, and Fire
Eyes rise in dark water.
Snout out in sunlight.
Sink pretty lady.
Rest scales and claws.
In the deep stink, abide.
Under the fire lane
your children sleep.
Death will provide.
Moon ripple in the reed-bed.
Doe sips in the shallows.
She hears Coyote.
She knows the Hare.
On a granite knob we sit,
fire-gazing, moon bathing,
Ruminating fried bluegills and hoecakes.
Mother Turtle receives our bony offerings.
Below, in tamarack liquor,
Crawdad scoots,
safe under stones.
Pike cruises overhead.
Muskellunge takes tribute.
You rest below.
Death seldom keeps you waiting.
All falls to you.
Kalliope
Means "beautiful voice" from Greek καλλος (kallos) "beauty" and οψ (ops) "voice". In Greek mythology she was a goddess of epic poetry and eloquence, one of the nine Muses.
Join us every Tuesday afternoon at the Daily Kos community political poetry club.
Your own poetry is always welcome in the comments.
Bongos, berets & turtle neck sweaters optional.
The keyboard is mightier than the sword.
Readers & Book Lovers Series Schedule: