For Their Bones

Rinse your food of poison.

Feed your children's growing bodies

Give them a sense of self, of life

deep within and far beyond,

and also without screens.

The women in your life will share with you

their stories, fears, shame.

Make sure they take the right vitamins in the winter time.

For their bones.

For their bones will (need) hold strength and respect

deep within and far beyond.

They'll carry on through what is called Longevity,

ideally in health. But no matter

you will be there to tend, to listen, to rinse and chop

reminding her to exhale.

This will be your burden, your pride, your community.

Together you'll howl at the moon

and chase the tides on seaside highways

Race along sand to water and salt

until there are bruises on your feet. But no matter,

you'll be there.

To sing and cry hopefully argue.

Loves and jobs and dreams will come and go.

And you will keep

tending to their bones.