eve of the new decade
fifteen of us keep solemn vigil
surround ourselves with the best
of traditions, the common hours
the stories of each other,
we draw together

poet of clay and wood,
sculptor of words
metaphysician and sage
explorer of sound
and rhythm, the spirit of those
absent but remembered

and hope moves among us
and hope moves us

women whose arms
bear a blessing of bread
hidden in fold of apron
running ahead into the day