So Young

Mother bathes you
and your body will remember–
the comfort of her arms
will anchor your dreams
a counterweight to all the grief
the years may bring
because once you were
held perfect
in the perfect curve
of her devotion
that one safe place
everything depends on
her hand firm at your waist
her head tilted in to yours
her embrace at once
secure and open
that bright blue
and yellow morning
solid footing
for whatever road you take