She wore dark dresses
\nand smelled of cotton and wool.
\nEyes the color of mist and marsh.
\nShe was a mountain of integrity.
\nHer face belonged to virgin ground,
\npioneers,
\na bygone age.
\nShe lived in your heart.
\nWhat a soft dove I was,
\nbut she cradled me in her arms,
\nher strength for the small and helpless.<\/p>\n
I see no trace of her face in mine,
\nthe deep ridges and care,
\nthe determination,
\nthe immense character of soul.
\nHer life was unpainted wood,
\nridges, exposed, compassionate,
\nand honest.<\/p>\n
She loved her children,
\nher grandchildren,
\neveryone else\u2019s children,
\nquintessential mother,
\nhands covered with cords of blue,
\nholding whatever she had for you,
\nthe odor of life,
\nthe comfort of a touch,
\nhot buns from her oven.<\/p>\n
She never failed me.
\nShe was the earth
\nin a strong and lasting way.
\nI hid in her arms.
\nI pulled at her sweaters,
\nand one morning
\nwhile she slept,
\nshe shared her dreams with me,
\nand drifted away.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
She wore dark dresses and smelled of cotton and wool. Eyes the color of mist and marsh. She was a mountain of integrity. Her face…<\/p>\n