Chlorophyl

She would work long hours on a
Computer in a word processing firm
for rent money. As under the
Spreading branches of a wide tree

We were sheltered.

She would go to school at night
To learn more about computers
To get a better job for extra
Food money. With fruit falling from the tree

We were fed.

She would make flash cards from
Index cards or loose leaf paper,
One would say DOG and another,
TABLE. From the runes of etched bark

We were taught.

She would sew our clothes back
Together, with gentle, wrinkled hands;
Loving us more than we could have ever
Understood. With fallen dried branches

We were warm.

She would sacrifice her time and money to
Keep us in school or on the playing field or
In the gymnasium... longing for a better day.

And with wood from the tree
We built ships
                     and sailed
                                    far
                                    away.

1989