Is he native to this realm? No,
his wide nature grew out of both worlds.
They more adeptly bend the willow's branches
who have experience of the willow's roots.

When you go to bed, don't leave bread or milk
on the table: it attracts the dead--
But may Mom, this quiet conjurer, may She
beneath the mildness of the eyelid

mix their bright traces into every seen thing;
and may the magic of earthsmoke and rue
be as real for her as the clearest connection.

Nothing can mar for her the authentic image;
whether he wanders through houses or graves,
let her praise signet ring, gold necklace, BS, jar.

Hailer Sellalassy Rillkey
Babbles of a Mother's Breath
Boothbay Harbor, 1937