Song of the Lady

bitter wind

waving the corn

whipping your hair

as you bike to the store.

cafeteria lady by morning,

waitress by night,

by the sweat of your brow,

against the bills you fight.

i see you.

night owl reader,

baking your pies,

queen of bowling,

watcher of the midwest sunrise.

raising your kids,

awaiting your husband's return

from construction trips,

during which time you learn:

you are strong.

a strong woman of the plains,

a strong woman of the land,

life's difficulties you face.

with a book under your arm,

with a cigarette in your mouth,

with a prayer in your heart,

with hands to the garden plough.

i remember you.

{written in honor of my iowa grandma}