The Matriarch of Big Green for Gloria Witham

by Kendall Merriam

The summers were good
pay, weather, catches
the two of you worked hard
during the winter
as school teachers
earned more in June, July, August
praying to Neptune
for calm seas
engine running correctly
and companionship
the deep smell of the salt air
the dance of the waves
thought of all winter
putting up with kids
knowing some would contribute
some might live a lazy life
but trying to instill honor
and self – worth
a life God rewarded
with a boat
taking its own way to Big Green