Ahkee (Reprise)

Maeengan Linklater

The other day

when you told me

your insecurities

of your self-image

I will tell you

what I see

what I feel

and this is what

I experience

the tenderness

of your touch

the feel

of your hair

when you snug

against my body

the curve

on your hip

when I slide

my hand

down towards

your cheek below

your waist

the prickle against

the palm of my hand

when I

caress

your calve

down to your thigh

and up towards

the streaks

across your stomach

where you held

your daughter

for 9 months

20 years ago

When I look at you

I see

the crow’s feet

at the side

of your eyes

like tracks

left

in the snow

the strands

of white

beginning

to appear

in the sandy blonde ray

of your mane

like the stars

in the evening sky

the shadows

below your eyes

that tell me

“Take care of me,

I’ve had a bad week.”

And anybody

will tell you

what you already know

The sparkle

in your eyes

the smile that stretches

across the sky

I want you to know

When I look at you

I appreciate

the details

of your insecurities

I see

the perfection

of a body

that has lived life

through 40 seasons.

so the next time

you look at yourself

in the mirror

I hope

you remember

my words

for who you are

The Earth

I have respected

The Earth

I have come to know

Ahkee