(For Fran)

queens don’t always have crowns

some scrub floors and wash dishes

some walk to work in the rain

some have hands that show the

ways of their days hard work and waiting

for the seeds planted to come to harvest

some queens protect small nations

all inside warm safe fed hopeful

some queens guard borders

defending those within from the

infidels at the door vanquishing

doubt in hearts and fear in eyes

go forward is the banner

from queens in brick houses

who are taller than they should be

refusing to be pressed down they

run over the boundaries set for them

growing straight for the sky

carrying oceans inside of

swollen hearts machetes sharp

tomorrow secure yesterday

is proud of today some

queens don’t have crowns