Joanna Gilman Hyde

On McNutt Island

I used to sit in our 3-holer privy

with My Mother

who often rested Her right elbow

on Her thigh

right hand under chin

Left Hand draped across

dangling Her Silver Nugget Ring

–

I assumed this same position today

with My Left Hand draped

across My Thighs

& I Was My Mother

I looked down to see My Mother’s Ring

& there were My Diamonds —

jolting Me

with crystallizing light

seared into My Brain

OK’d by My Mother