chagall backdrop

Your hair, pulled back
a soft salted bun
clears the way
for the light
to touch your eyes
carve the fine lines
of your face

my dearest
you’re the last
the queen of Portugal
fairest from the house
of Braganza

You were born
Maria
da Glória
Joana Carlota Leopoldina
da Cruz
Francisca Xavier
de Paula Isidora Micaela
Gabriela Rafaela Gonzaga

a name for the ages
these women were all
you wrapped up
and trapped there
as one

reign on
Good Mother

you taught us
that mind
is the gateway
to soul

and to die for one’s cause
is most noble

© Carlos Chagall, 2013