if what wakes you
from dreaming
is hungry
my grandmother would say
to make a husk doll
from leaves holding close
to dry cobs
of braided colored corn
soak them to softness
and braid cornsilk hair
darkened yellow to brown
keep her faceless
not as punishment for beauty
as the no-face dolls for playing
but no nose for this dream-holder
made of husks
to scent and steal sweetness
do not give her eyes
to see where she is planted
to walk her way back
do not give her a mouth
to whisper your name
to what moves in the earth
saying your flesh
is better eating
than her leaves
bury the bad dream
and walk away lighter
those imaginings
shaking you awake
wrapped inside that husk
and no longer in your heart
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GORGEOUS.
Thank you, Francesca!
Yikes! !!!
Yes, creepy corn husk dolls. It really is what the Iroquois would do to get rid of bad dreams.
Thanks, but allow me to translate: ‘that was astounding;. 🙂
🙂 Thanks, Nelle! Could have gone either way, with the subject matter 🙂
Nice enjoyed this one lots
Thanks, Ian. Glad you liked.
a beautiful heart warmming golden memory!
🙂