What’s in a name

Part II

Our second daughter
her middle name belongs
to her father’s grandmother

The woman who raised his mother
and three others
on the farm
just over the hill
near where the rivers meet

The woman who married a man
who kept her on her feet
as they worked side by side
to keep their land
and family
connected
and alive

The woman who raised the cows
and took the stray dogs in
who fed the chickens
and the sow
who took great care
in her care
for all these living things

The mother who raised the goats
and made her own money
that sent her daughter to college
off to the city
to follow a dream

Grandma on the farm
who opened her doors
to her growing family
so they could swing from the rafters
and run through the fields
gather around her table
with a game of Monopoly

Because
while she looked
tough as could be
she had a deep love
for all her living things

Our second daughter
She carries this name
This strength in her soul