For life a woman sheltered
a wandering child of twenty
Shared delight in escapades
crying when she chose a cage
But now the brambles ***** your heels
In murky ground you're sinking
I offer you this haven heart
my teacher now needs soothing
Remember how we know it's true that*
Wisdom ebbs and flows
Some trials of age
reduce the sage
to trembling floundering terrors
You taught me how to heal the child
Now's time to heal the mother
*I hold you dear for all you are
Safe upon the shifting shore