For Adrienne Rich

As a Mother — like flame —takes life back,
We are changed! Flame is all that She has,
Rising up from the coals to the sky;
She is here! Where She glows on the same,

We are changed! Flame is all that She has,
Since she gave up her land once. We call;
She is here! And She glows on the same,
Rising up from the coals, to the sky,

Since she gave up her land, once. We call
Past the embers She’s leaving to stay,
Rising up from the coals, to the sky,
Breathing green-yellow peace through the night.

Past the embers, She’s leaving to stay,
To return as a creature again —
Breathing green-yellow peace through the night
As we lie with our softer new hearts.

She returns, as a creature again —
She has welcomed the Sun for her crown
And we lie with our softer new hearts,
Where Her body remembers the trees.

Goddess Riding the Sun! Come to be
As a Mother — like flame —take life back,
Where Your body remembers the trees
Rising up from the coals to the sky!

First published in Pensive