The Other Mother’s Day — Laura Phoenix Power

Love to the mothers
whose Mother’s Day looks different this year,
the moms with kids on other continents, in other cities,
and otherwise beyond the reach of a hug,

the moms who’ve exited stage left,
leaving toxic partnerships in the rearview mirror,

the moms struggling to keep things light for their kids,
stealing away quick moments for quiet tears in bathrooms,
closets, and in the car,

the moms unexpectedly without moms
straddling grief and gratitude in tandem,

the moms who’ve chosen mental wellbeing
over toxic genetic ties and abusive patterns
who needed to cut ties to their birth family,

the moms privately enduring hardships
who worry each day about caring for her kids,
hoping they have everything needed to thrive.

This poem is for you;
it comes with unconditional love
and these affirmations-
your love is enough
your truth is powerful
your kids flourish because
of all the ways you exist.

©copyright 2023, all rights reserved Laura Phoenix Power

Originally published at https://lauraphoenixpower.com on May 14, 2023.