strong oak woman
momma said that you’d plant
cherry trees with that soul of fire
so your hands dropped low into
soil and became roots
you are now a forest that no
man will ever cut upon
birds resting on shoulders
strong oak woman
in others
you find branches extending longer
than you thought limbs could ever go
they will teach you how they
have done it how they have
sheltered themselves underneath
their own shade
carve into their bark your name
strong oak woman
then soon
growing growing
still
now grass now cricket
now stream will ask how
you have found your way
tell them that this forest is a haven
that photosynthesis is his name
the curve in your back a small windstorm
birds resting on shoulders
they have taught you well
strong oak woman