what are we made of

when at half way, is there a moment’s pause

opening to the humming heart, buzzing mind

for momentary reflecting back, a doubling

of quiet attention before being pulled to frenzy

is a week a unit of time if it includes no rest?

do you prefer a loop, or there and back, between

with summit or ridge, waterfall or stream?

once carrying babies, watching dimples multiply

now negotiating for tension free moments

between problems maybe only we can see

might you try to retrieve girlhood sun beams

yours that you gave them, needing some back

while they try on seriousness, drive, resistance

the time they still get to rest, a gift of our love

they may see later, carrying nest memory

but their way of survival will be their own

they are made of us, but we are not of them

partners also in the shape we receive them

also shape our motion, our silence, space shared

shattering, when it happens, another shape made

elastic unity, snapping back, repairs when needed

might you claim back teenage stardust, sparkles,

early adult dreams as you stumbled into, chosen

yours you offered, exchange of futures unknown

you can shimmer with your own deep light

how it’s reflected doesn’t determine the shine

we are not made of them, but they are made in us

the ones before us, who age in their twilight

another nest to make, and tend with teachings

they gave us, or we received in negative

from what they would have wanted to give us

had they known, had they been shown

might you ask for the instructions back

so you can follow them yourself, with slow care

for a second half of forgiveness, or forgetting,

whichever is granted, reward for releasing anger

when I say we, I am seeing you in me, projecting

inward, outward, grateful for stories offered

dream tales, admitted failure, room to admire

a simple nodding, yes I have also been there

yes you are still here, you are still known

among sisters, some with many, some few

might you offer, give, mend, tend, receive

your precious first half folded and ready

your second half outstretched like a kite

ours close enough to witness but not tangle

what are we made of, mystery caught by kindness

tended by land, water, sky, born in a free place

what can we offer back in this second half

to honour the first, and the fact we have one

in adequate health, to try to thrive, give back

we are made of that effort, that faith, that grace