MAIZE

Photo by S. Auberle

planted corn this year

three rows in hard ground

deer and raccoon had their way with it

and crow and drought

and only a few seeds survived

they weren't meant to be a crop

(just) beings of beauty

now the graceful stalks

lift skyward, further each day

their slender arms a prayer

to old gods

i think of the Hopi

how in that arid land

each stalk of corn is sacred

tended like a child

and i thank these survivors

bring them extra water

listen, with them

to the southwest wind

whispering grow...

~ mimi