This next poem goes out to my mom
and to all the mothers out there.
Matrilineal Winter.
Traditionally at Laguna, the house
is given to the oldest daughter
At Acoma, the house is given to the youngest daughter
The house belonged to Grandma Marie,
given to her oldest daughter, Jane
Soon, Jane gave sister Clara the family home
Three sisters in their winter share their mother's house
They are Orion's Belt wintry sister stars
Three stars softly fading
Reminisce festal shadows
Mom's chili stew cooking
7-Up in the Frigidaire
Three sisters embrace home, but not like they used to
Keep moving around, more aches flare
What do we do with your house, Mom?
We feel bad that you're getting old
We'll help you when we can
We missed-- we miss the old you
Serious oldest daughter, humorous middle girl,
cheerful youngest baby
Wintry sister stars.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]