November Senryū
For the ancestors, whose shoulders we stand on ~
and for TM
what minds refuse | hearts can feel in their tendrils | and strive to reach for |
that elusive connection | some call love and others doubt
a day to say no | to the buy buy buying | of things that don't matter
thanks for earth's bounty | in our lives grateful for all | she gives and takes
winter fires kindled | for nights long and cold | hold me in your arms of hearth
flying south for winter | she arrives with crescent moon | in jet night sky
he is but a youth | in the body of a man | she once loved on fire
nothing is promised | each moment a gift | a life must be lived fully
give me your heart | hold in it your palms | as if it were yours to give
you fear the risk of losing | but do not lose for fear | love fearlessly
you'll never be far | your heart's echo-steady beat | learned in the waters |
of your mother's loving womb | that cradled your journey here
fly into the arms | of your ancestors who wait | with abounding joy |
to hold you in that sparkling | place we all return too soon
give thanks every day | for each breath and each step | for our earth mother
she dreams you as twins | one loves the other aloof | and still she's alone
tulley fog blankets | the valley wrapped in cotton | batting for fruit trees
he is a nice day | a face that brightens shadows | all sunshine and smiles
we've all had our losses | can feel those of others | learn how to let go
she no longer sleeps | with fairy tales tucked under | her pillow sprouts wings
she has too many rules | keeps her in balance | then he comes along |
smashes through those walls of hers | says life is change go with it
for all those voices silenced | we shall continue | to call for justice
all children matter | all life is precious | no one is disposable
disappeared youths | sacrificed for telling truths | your spirits still live |
we shall never forget you | our hearts demand your return
powerful women | voices often muted | in the bustle of life |
the washing of clothes and floors | in the factories and fields
in our impatience | we forget old lessons learned | love becomes struggle
frost moon mirror | of winter waiting on wings | to blanket us in white
everyday flowers | bring color and light | to the shadowed just beyond
Frosty Moon pregnant | with promise of rain and cold | on the horizon
you vote your conscience | put your hope in a system | in need of repair
still high on spirits | sugary as November | moon's calabaza smile
Día De Muertos | our day of honoring | our ancestors |
who in our hearts never die | who are always there waiting
sky opened up | spilled out its precious liquid | blessed the town with rain
poems and photo copyright © 2014 Odilia Galván Rodríguez.
All Rights Reserved.
