Starched Dresses

My mother, child woman
on long lean legs
starching dresses
til they stood
like waiting
soldiers
protectors
against
those who
would dare
to question
the claim
of our tiny
band
our family
a wounded soldier
slashed from stem
to stern
black hair dashingly
falling across
his forehead
a beautiful woman
love, responsiblity
hope, faith and
determination
to prove
that she
had the right
to be who
she was
proud
dressing
her girl child
in bows, curling
her hair
and presenting
her for all
to see as
a child
who was
wanted
in the starched
dresses
that proclaimed our
family=s honor.