the death of thelma sayles

2/13/59

age 44

i leave no tracks so my live loves

can’t follow. at the river

most turn back, their souls shivering,

but my little girl stands alone on the bank

and watches. i pull my heart out of my pocket

and throw it. i smile as she catches all

she’ll ever catch and heads for home

and her children. mothering

has made it strong, i whisper in her ear

along the leaves.