the fossil record

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#16

Mitocondrial DNA is only inherited through the mother. We could trace ourselves back to one woman.
 

It was momma
of an ancient time
fur-covered huddled in darkness
warming me with her breath
in the indiscernable shadows
of a cave,
her breast speaking comfort, calm
every syllable in silence.

The time when fathers had no word
warmth, darkness, love pervaded.
Now fathers invent
frantically, furiously
a rope and pulley raise us up.
We dangle experimentally.
Nodes attached, measure the care
they can't create.

And when she returns
in union with riverbeds
and mountain air,
Blood clots
on node after node.
 

         —Teresa Peipins