Poetry/Karen Goulet
Elderberry Blues
Purple midnight shimmers
old stories in glass.
They shine sharp and deep,
beautiful memories
of seasons, survival, labor and love
contained in gleaming jars
-remember-
the women before me.
Tradition, cares, and pride –
what is familiar -
rest sweetly, patiently on shelves
ready to be consumed when the time is right.
Hot thick liquid poured
with rhythmic gestures into gleaming jars
then sealed with wax.
Don’t hurry this ritual.
Berries need to be ripe
when changes a bit from year to year.
Jars need to be clean, lined up ready to be filled.
Recipe perfected should not be changed
-acceptance of what is-
simmer just long enough,
don’t burn the bittersweet nectar,
nothing will hide that inattention.
Notice the weather, summer days are hot enough,
but don’t forget to adjust things
if there is rain-know it all matters -all the time.
My mother knows how to be steady
knows when it is just the right time to pull
sweetness from the heat
so it will preserve with the right density and tenderness
perfect -ready -to travel on tongues
that recognize
the honesty found in spoonfuls and kitchens
all over the world.
Purple midnight shimmers
old stories in glass.
They shine sharp and deep,
beautiful memories
of seasons, survival, labor and love
contained in gleaming jars
-remember-
the women before me.
Tradition, cares, and pride –
what is familiar -
rest sweetly, patiently on shelves
ready to be consumed when the time is right.
Hot thick liquid poured
with rhythmic gestures into gleaming jars
then sealed with wax.
Don’t hurry this ritual.
Berries need to be ripe
when changes a bit from year to year.
Jars need to be clean, lined up ready to be filled.
Recipe perfected should not be changed
-acceptance of what is-
simmer just long enough,
don’t burn the bittersweet nectar,
nothing will hide that inattention.
Notice the weather, summer days are hot enough,
but don’t forget to adjust things
if there is rain-know it all matters -all the time.
My mother knows how to be steady
knows when it is just the right time to pull
sweetness from the heat
so it will preserve with the right density and tenderness
perfect -ready -to travel on tongues
that recognize
the honesty found in spoonfuls and kitchens
all over the world.
| Karen Goulet recites her poems at the Wis. Women of Color Network's celebration of Women's History Month March 26 at Madison College |
| Heartland Solace and possibility create rhythms in the heart of this land never abandoned through everything, changed. Each moment struggle and loss will inevitably turn into love cries that call us home to the strength in our hearts and the beauty of our dreams. |
A THOUSAND OCEANS
Will I see you again-
You and I go back a thousand oceans-
I am drowning in them all.
My tears are from the sea of memories
recalled in every love and loss
that lets you find me
one more time.
I have loved others fiercely
yet you have never been gone.
Your touch is the tattoo
that guarantees me another life
after this one.
Today I have said another final goodbye
and you are still with me.
Will I see you again-
You and I go back a thousand oceans-
I am drowning in them all.
Will I see you again-
You and I go back a thousand oceans-
I am drowning in them all.
My tears are from the sea of memories
recalled in every love and loss
that lets you find me
one more time.
I have loved others fiercely
yet you have never been gone.
Your touch is the tattoo
that guarantees me another life
after this one.
Today I have said another final goodbye
and you are still with me.
Will I see you again-
You and I go back a thousand oceans-
I am drowning in them all.
