WILD AND CIVILIZED
Being wild can be
being, civilized
or at least
appreciating the wild
can be being,
civilized
Young Father–native son–
running out of the bushes
to thrill his little kids
full of ideas
Mom doing stuff
in the tent
Parting leaf
in the dream
that is this reality
I look at young men
younger than me, now
and think about my fertility–
still here–and how I am childless
except I claim godmotherhood
on everyone, my solace
especially the bees–
they are my children
Young men with limbs
thriving, no wrinkles
or wrinkles just beginning
to crinkle their leather
Young men pushing strollers–
not only the affluent–
I wonder what everyone’s
lives are like
Young men I find at farmers markets,
at environmental events–
who were their parents?
What is it that got them here,
then, thank goodness
I see these young men
as examples of good
that can be witnessed
when men are not scorned
Young apple maidens at the tables
in their neo-hippie prints
and or pencil intellectuals
from universities, again,
at our community events
with shovels and
smart phones
Towheaded children
at the pow wows
hand in hand
with dark haired ones
learning about
honoring ancestors
the potential
for revitalization
Civilization that helps
us find the wild
You know me,
America?
I am your native daughter
I am your native son
I am you
~ Lady