Songs of Motherhood

IV. Word

(to my mother)

To thank you enough

I have finally found my way

            (my truth, my life).

I give you this oath

(which is your gift to me):

Although for every hour by which

I have shortened your life,

I would gladly give in trade

a day of perfectest joy,

instead, I will redeem

every minute of grief

you ever spent on me.

It is my griefs have saddened you most,

and ever having saddened you is my most grief.

I will set now all griefs aside;

I will be now as happy as you always hoped.

I have known you

longer than I have known breath

from the inside, out,

and still have barely the gist of you

(curious and humble,

grace seeking grace)

who gave substance to my idea,

knit me together

from threads of your own fabric,

then passed the needles on to me.

I give you this oath

which is now mine to keep

(your gift to me)—

and every day will now become

my mother’s day.