flashlights
matzo
this summer is darker
than the rest
keep the lights off
keep the windows shut
we wear the night
on our shoulders
draped over our curves
looming and sweet
the moon is reflected
in our eyes
our lips carefully pressed
and ironed
crackling hearts
we are earth’s daughters
herded into cattle cars
while it rains ash
and we smell of smoke
we do not speak of mother
even though she is here
blinking
and waiting
blinking
and waiting
we can still see her
bright
and light
and clear as day
she’s in the curve of my spine
and the point in Ada’s nose
she surfaces in hot baths
her hands swirling bubbles
her chest warming water
we dream of her
running across rooftops
a streak of turquoise
dancing
on cool rainy nights
we dream she has escaped
and her eyes are wild
her cheeks are bright
yes it is true
we do not speak of mother
she is a glimmer from time
her bare feet padding on tin
every night
running farther and farther away