Woman

By Bob McAfee

you hold the power of seasons
sharp spices and gentle herbs
the reds and the greens
the garden well-formed
the rains fall and call your name

***

you hold the memories of the fathers
blessed be the mothers and grandmothers
who bring forth the harvests
and call the gods for feasting
the sun shines upon your labor

***

you hold the love of your man
walk the difficult path
along the edge of big water
raise your sharp tongue
in the year of the plague

***

you hold the magic of tapestries
in the skein of your hands
weaving the sounds that echo
among echelons of olive trees
on the ancient hillsides

***

you hold the secret of casting –
your spell has consumed me
I am with you always
like your kirtle of buckskin,

***

your well-worn linen chemise

🩷🩷🩷

Bob McAfee is a retired software consultant who lives with his wife near Boston. He has written eight books of poetry, mostly on Love, Aging, and the Natural World. For the last several years he has hosted a Wednesday night Zoom poetry workshop. Since 2019, he has had more than 60 poems selected by over twenty different publications. His website, www.bobmcafee.com, contains links to all his published poetry. As of early this morning he was still in love with his best friend of nearly 60 years.