Mother’s Love
This poem is inspired by “The Gift” from Li Young Lee
And dedicated to my mother.
To know how to love so tenderly, remaining strong even in sacrifice. That is a mother’s love.
My mother’s love begins
With her gentle touch over my hair
Her hazel eyes next my forehead
The smell of Chanel from her wrist on my nose
Vanilla, that is how I remember her in taste
In banana milkshakes or custards
That is my mother’s love
I remember the squawks of the ducklings
The brown corrugation of the cardboard
The warmth of their soft coat on my hands
That is my mother’s love
When at my worst, I hear her screams held with anguish
I see her body quivering with disappointment
And I picture her hazel eyes, full of mother’s love
I thank her, for giving me the gift
To learn how to love
Now, my hazel eyes look at someone’s forehead
And they too know, unconditional love.