I remember
my sweet mother’s hand in mine
as she leads me through
the savory garden
I remember
my sweet mother’s hand in mine
as we listen to the bumblebees
breathing, dancing, living
I remember
my sweet mother’s hand in mine
as we watch our precious berries
hydrate our bushy-tailed friends
I remember
my sweet mother’s hand in mine
filling my heart with the gift of patience
directing my eyes to the wonders of the earth
I remember
my sweet mother’s hand in mine
crafting my lens of simplicity
strengthening my heart of resiliency
I remember
my sweet mother’s hand in mine
guiding my spirit into this wild world
releasing my grip once I was ready
I nourish every memory
with pressed snapdragons and bleeding hearts
forever protected in my cross-stitched box
On the days
the golden rays touch the edges of my skin
I shut my eyes and I remember
my sweet mother’s hand in mine