The goddess is here in this deep Greek cave
four chambers down
it’s so dark
I see the same blackness 
eyes open or closed
we sit in a circle and sing to her
Women harmonizing cross legged in the depths of a Cretan sanctuary

one woman says, listen to mama 

Mama speaks anxiety and fear. gives a primordial warning 

come back when you are ready to join the dead 
otherwise leave now

sisters help each other out of the sepulcher 
I bring up the rear
tall women give boosts up the rocky cave walls

I see the sun again

[Shana Naugle is a mother living in the Midwest.]