Daughter
And you my daughter
who I will not know-
I feel in mine
your small, hot hand,
I see your green eyes
lighting already
with my mother's far away look,
and the kisses
that have made you
from my lover's warm,dark lips
smiling from yours-
made for kisses.
My little daughter
what times we shall have-
what talks.
I would hold up the stars
to keep from burning you
quiet the sea
to keep from waking you
I would eat you for breakfast
all your fat, buttery fish
thighs and arms
toast and honey.
My little daughter
you will not have the chance
to jail me with tenderness
grow high and lovely
from my shrinking hide.
We will not now
confront each other
barter,threaten, promise
we will not curse each other
win or lose
My darling
we have no time for that.
I will bequeath you
Little-
some words
angry, loving, careful
set down to make a space for you.
I will leave you
flowers and flame
scorched earth, black water
blue skies, laughter
hungry children
women working, loving
fire and ice
bombs and books
I will leave you
my daughter
this whole wide world
that was not yet
wide enough for me
to bear you into.
(From 'Ain't I A Woman!'
Edited By Illona Linthwaite)
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