This poem
is not for poets.
It is for elm,
for juniper,
for fir. For
female fox
and foxgloves.
For ragged-
tailed does
with chances
so scant,
they never
get to see their
grandchildren.
This poem
is for nieces,
for sisters, for
mothers, and wives.
For daughters, for
partners, for girlfriends,
for lovers — for
those of us holding
someone else’s breath
whenever the news
comes on. When judgement
assaults law —
like you did.
This poem
is not for poets.
It’s for solidarity. Camaraderie.
Community. For her,
for you, and now-
wombless me. For
sycamore, honeysuckle,
for weeping willow.
It’s for we
who share
a name.
Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt, copyright July 18, 2024, all rights reserved
Posted in Katherine's Coffeehouse
