The matriarch

If she was younger, she would be warrior
queen, zealously guarding her family
in times of war & upheaval

If she was even younger, she would be
a tall dark violet beauty with sassy tongue
& drinking hard with the guys

But alas, she was old when I met her
Cursing her gene for a long life
And her mother, still alive, crawling
on floor like a baby in her old age
frightened me and my sisters-

But she is always a warm breast to me
like a tropical sun
nurturing my awkward childish steps
while cursing her wayward sons to behave

They don't listen much to her anymore
but affectionately indulge her
when she tells them about her war-time escapades
It was a long time ago
Long before she became a widow

For time is running out fast
Her eagle eyes are now frail
Her bones are paper-light
And in the end, she was all silver
her feet bundled like a small bird-



Posted for D'verse Poets Pub - Character Study, hosted by guest Walter Wojtanik ~  Thanks for the visit ~