Mothers Day

One of the members of my on-line critique group is Lisa Lynch. She's a Mama and writes articles and stories for mothers. She recently had this poem published in the March, 2008 Northwest Baby and Child. I'm including and dedicating it to all the Mamas in my family--all you wonderful women who have children, teach children, and hope to someday have children. She called it "Mama Dance."

On the kitchen counter
amidst days-old muffins
and soft avocados
the radio sings to me

Arms up, I sway
gliding between the fridge and the sink
my reflection in the kitchen window
and I don't see what I feel

I'm a mama

My little Bee spins around me
princess constume awhirl
she is a mere novice at
kitchen dancing
one must feel every beat

"More!" baby squaks
from the high chair
all bananas and hotdogs and ketchup

I twirl
I bob and swirl
I'm a willow tree
moving in the wind
My arms bend, fingers quiver
like golden leaves
in sun

I'm a mama

"Done!" baby says
and puts down her spoon

I smile, my eyes closed
I'm a mama
Bee mimics my moves
I'm a mama
My hair in my face
I'm a mama

And I dance.

My Mary, the girl I got to be Mom for, sent me a darling little towel (along with a lovely card and some goodies). Beautifully stitched on it are the words: Home is where Mom is. Brought tears to my eyes. And so, I've been thinking about mothers. Seems ages ago that I had little ones under foot--one of the happiest times of my life! It's the qualities that make up good mothering that I've thought of the most--qualities that good aunts, sisters, fathers, uncles, and brothers also can manifest--qualities desperately needed in our world. So my heart goes out to all of you who love, teach, and care for children. Thank you!