BUNDLING UP THE VILLAGE Poem by Andriana Škunca

Bundling up the village
mother doesn't turn
to those remaining

Before her
and behind her
an empty space
filled with oblivion

The houses, cramped
one against another
won't let past
a blade of grass
a shadow

Branches hold to the roofs
observe the barrens
featureless

Her palms apart
mother winds on the
ends of the scarf
grasping
hedges
the tower

Far away now,
She is no one's