19/03/2023
I wrote a poem for today. I write a poem every Mother’s Day. Well, in fact I write poems a lot of days each week - I don’t know if that’s something I’ve shared on here?! - but especially every Mother’s Day. Which is a beautiful day, but also difficult for so many.
I shared it on my personal account but then remembered I can’t share it from there as it’s private, so here it is again. Apologies to those of you who follow me on both!
Enjoy today, and be gentle with yourself if you cannot.
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If you look for your baby in rainbows
in robins or the stars
If your windowsill is bursting
or you’re missing little cards
If your arms are filled with heartbeats
or the emptiness between
This day belongs to you
Let me tell you, you are seen.
If your house is filled with laughter
and the pattering of feet
or a suffocating silence
that you just can’t defeat.
If you spent this morning with a child
when there should be two or more
This day still belongs to you,
let me tell you, I am sure.
If your baby lives in photographs,
sat upon the side,
or in your deepest wishes,
in the fear that you can’t hide.
If your child now lives in memories,
no longer within your hands,
This day still belongs to you,
and when it’s hard, I understand.
Breathe it in, and breathe it out
this day will soon pass by
if you want to then savour it,
but it’s also fine to cry.
Make what you want of it,
But no matter what, be filled with pride,
for today belongs to all of you,
with children here and those who died.
