I have a beloved human mother, Emildah Penina, 
Gone suddenly, too soon. Eleven-going-on-twelve 
Years have gone by. It feels like yesterday. She tells me to let go 
Of grief. I do not understand her when she comes.
Until I go to pour it out to my Earth Mother, the Tree,
Who zaps me with love, then I feel 
Grief and joy dancing inside me
Like the weather on mountaintops
One minute sun, the next rain, and
Rainbows. Glorious double rainbows. 
My mother has sisters, my mothers, too. They are here.

I have other beloved human mothers, 
Including one with her 82nd birthday today
February 23 is Rita’s birthday. 
She once told me I have a courageous heart.
I said thank you but did not understand.
Until I went to pour it out to my Earth Mother, the Tree,
Who squealed with joy in the wind that took my words 
Back to Mama Rita to tell her she, too, has a courageous heart.

I have a beloved human mother who, while alive, has disappeared 
Into a fog I cannot reach. She once told me 
I have a mind as wide as the sky, I did not understand.
I understand now, as I lean on my Earth Mother, the Tree,
Who holds me with generous silence.

On this frigid afternoon, I feel buoyant with love and joy 
My treasured canine companion as my witness,
We trudge through snow and freezing rain
As he sniffs, I lean into the comfort of my beloved human mothers
The living who still live with courageous joy against the odds,
And the departed who remind me they are the air I breath.

I summon them and run deeper into the woods,
Into the embrace of my Earth Mothers,
Trees!
Whose breath is my consciousness, 
Whose body is love itself.

Be with me, Earth Mothers, 
As long as I draw your breath
On this beloved Earth.