My aunt corroborates in Slovenian
what my mother told me long ago
in German, Italian, Croatian and English
and yes, there were Slovene words too
well-seasoned with generous pinches
and splashes throughout her talking,
for communication for my Mother
is like baking.
Take a portion of dough,
add whatever's needed - currants,
poppy, pumpkin or sesame seeds,
crushed walnuts, pitted dates, dried figs,
whatever it takes to bake a tasty loaf.
Cut coarsely when still hot, spread
liberally with unsalted butter and enjoy.
When very young I could not discern
segue
from one language to another,
only heard
what my Mother spoke, her intended meaning
and though I cannot personally
speak fluently
or write well
in any language other than English,
yet
when I've travelled the world,
I have somehow never struggled with understanding.
And if that is your only legacy, Mother,
for your God knows,
there was little else you ever offered me,
perhaps my inheritance
has not been quite as poor as I first imagined.
