BRAIDING
SUSAN JANE ANDERSON
After the early morning rains,
bruised and swollen skies
concede to a sunlit silence
refurbished with a mixology
of lurid garden colors
and the perfume of friendship and benevolence.
Here the Three Sisters awaken
to the uplifting harmonies of the day
and begin their spiritual reciprocity.
Corn is the firstborn quickly growing
tall and strong with the specific purpose
of providing a strong ladder for
the arching skyward bean plants
spreading a lazy leafy growth close
to the ground patiently awaiting
their slow growing squash sisters
who provide an umbrella of shade
for the bean siblings.
Together the three braid and hold a
convergent covenant of community
celebrating and thanking Mother Earth for her
boundless blessings.
_______________________________________
Susan Anderson is a retired elementary teacher who finds her advancing years blooming and flowering with words.