Lineage

By Rebecca Sturgeon

We are formed by our blood human families and our chosen human families. We are formed by the land that knows the shape of our footsteps. This collection explores the lineage of the human ancestors and the lineage of the natural world -- how conversations among generations, living and dead, are ongoing and ever-present in our lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebecca Sturgeon
• Release date: Apr 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201633745

Rebecca Sturgeon

Rebecca Sturgeon teaches, writes, and walks in Louisville, Kentucky.

Book preview

Teaching Mamaw to Dance

Your ring fits perfectly, weightless

on my bare left hand.

It sparkles thinly

when the sunrise-on-snow light hits my window.

The worn-through broken band catches on my sleeve

I hold my arms away from my body,

make space for your life to move through me.

––––––––

You met him in the mountains,

where you walked with ease,

long strides moving through space between the hills and the hollers.

He wanted you for your long legs and your easy smile.

Captivated you with his city words and hard work.

Left you behind with two children as soon as Uncle Sam

offered him a way out of the coal mines.

––––––––

Two children and a promise, but nothing to show

to the woman-starved men coming back from Japan.

This ring came from your own money and determination,

bought before you got on the train from Kentucky to California.

You wore it so the men would know

you had your own soldier.

Your body was not for their consumption.