Mother Country
by LEONARD CIRINO

after Rimma Kazakova

Just before dawn a woman goes to her shadow,

bent on learning what she doesn’t know.

The rain sets runlets glowing, the sun drones

like bees in summer. When has she spent

a more perfect time than late at night

in the meadow, under the moon’s spell,

while slowly gathering the field’s flowers?

With sideways looks that challenge fate,

she finds no words in these starry nights

that can speak the joy she feels. She knows

the world is lovely and walks barefoot

with unflinching eyes and an easy gait.

With all the courage she can muster, she lifts

her skirt and hides her children underneath.

(Published in Poet’s Basement 23 October 2009)

In honor of National Poetry Month, I offer this poem from Leonard Cirino (1943-2012).    I love the idea of a woman seeking her shadow to learn what she doesn’t know, and finding joy.