In Her Own Words

My Mother

by Ruth Weiss

Remembering the earliest time
Her sound
Strong, loud, commanding
So powerful, it touched us all.

And laughing, often laughing
Noisy
Gay, high, piercing
Thunder through summer rain.

Tenacious woman, amazing
Her strength,
Pluck, grit, nerve;
Children lapping up her spirit.

Unceasing, overworked
Engine.
Puff, climb, lurch,
Years passing by and scenery shifts:

Where did this vibrant woman go;
Beating heart
Still, tame, strange
Embers from this roaring flame.