*

*
Remember the wind. Remember her voice. She knows the
origin of this universe.
From Remember by Joy Harjo
She came in the door today, carrying a bundle of leaves.
You sit there, she said, like a rotting avocado, picking
out your black spots with a spoon.
She flicked her fingers through my hair, kicking
up puffs of cat fur, humming a windy tune.
*
She ruffled the pages of the book of mandalas.
Ha! She puffed, The universe began on a breath.
Only love is real, nothing else, not even death.
You sit there wringing your sweaty palms,
examining the dirt in your closet.
*
She threw the leaves, dry and crisp, on the floor.
She blew a scatter across the planks.
Pick up your broom and sweep! Leap
into the present, foolish woman! Your heritage
is splendid, daughter of Isis. Fly!