youngest rabbit in Burras' Burrow,
A creature far removed from harbor towns,
I'm shaped by seasons. Winter caps dry on
stacks of kindling beside our kitchen fire.
Expanding lines of light lift horizons;
then roll back December dark, March rinses
snowy drifts to welcome prim violets.
While Sister works wonders with her sewing,
I wrestle stubborn nettles from sheep dogs.
Paws pain free, they whine to win rescue runs.
Motherless lambs on moors bleat to be found.
Gardens sound water thanks with greedy gulps.
Pestle pushed inside a heavy mortar
scatters blister blossoms on aching palms.
Forgetful, I miss meals while hunting herbs.
Brother John, daydream fed, climbs cloudy sails
to find islands. My berry basket fills.
I meander, gather isolated
hills, quiet meadows. Hidden back behind
my heart, they shelter lambs without voices;
lagging snails with lovely whorl-twirl houses.
(c)Patricia Flower Vermillion
from Lady's Maid
Live Wire Press, Charlottesville, VA
Ms Vermillion's book tells the story of the founding of Virginia in verse vignettes of people who were there, active participants. This poem is of Anne Burras, the Lady's Maid to Mistress Lucy Forrest. Later, when Anne married John Laydon, hers was the first "new world" marriage in Virginia. It helps, too, to recognize that at that time, the Virginia Colony encompasses portions of what we now know as North Carolina. pf
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