A Winter Song
(for my Mother on her 96th Birthday)
By Belinda Behne
as snowflakes fall
I hold her tight
remembering when
her eyes were bright
her laughter strong
our memories flood
this Winter song
of travel times
in western states
among the aspens
through the gates
of small towns
along the Great Divide
with mountians, streams
and clouds so high
we were in wonder
breathing snow-crisp air
in Summer
cheering at the rodeo
hiking in the alpine snow
our nostrils full
of sage and pine
the mountain air
expanding time
we passed
the mother-daughter place
and entered friendship
tinged with grace
Belinda Behne grew up in the midwest, but she has spent most of her adult life in the vibrant culture of New York City. Her first career, as a teacher of special education, led her to the love of art, literature and theatre. She has pursued her passions of acting, writing poetry and performing professional voice-overs for more than three decades. She currently lives on the edge of a salt marsh, where life continues to inspire her in new ways. Her poems can be found in LEAF Journal, The Wise Owl, Scarlet Dragonfy and Cold Moon Journal.