MOTHERS KNOW WHAT THEY KNOW AND DON’T

Mothers know what they know

and don’t … it’s as though

their eyes were half shut

to keep love freely flowing

regardless of insults and ego blows

and I hate you and

you’re not my boss

and no I won’t and yes I will

and promises unkept.

Mothers know when they can

and can’t… and they plan

so you feel they will

come through with no doubt or care

despite not enough time to think or feel

or stop to take breath

or pause to un-hunch

or dare to un-clench

lest all hell might break loose

and knowing be known.

Mothers know, yes they do,

and children do too

that sprouts grow deep roots

to soak up all that’s their due

one way or another, rainstorm or drought

until life is sure

and fuel is charged

and it’s time to take

flight to stages unknown.

Mothers know when they won’t

and will… and they don’t

shed a tear in sight

of children who can’t show them

just exactly what they want and they need

or let them in or

let them out… maybe

let them be human

just in that moment.

Mothers know that we know

and won’t let it flow

freely to the tip

of our tongues or our fingers

or any expressive place not tightly

wrapped with a ribbon

stuffed in a box

as permitted by

all who might see us.

Mothers know what they know

and don’t… babies go

from the nest and then

come back as half babies and

half something strange and

unknowable and somehow just so right

that tears spring unchecked

and fists can unfurl

and knowing’s not knowing.

Mothers know.

A sort-of poem for mothers and children, teachers and students, coaches and mentees and all who nurture and are nurtured. May the love flow freely, in underground streams and roaring rivers, and wherever tears and joy flourish. 

Happy Mother’s Day.