Summary

Ed Fields honors his mother and sister through a collection of poems in celebration of National Poetry Month and Mother's Day, drawing inspiration from Tupac Shakur's "Dear Mama."

Abstract

The web content presents a heartfelt tribute by Ed Fields to the influential women in his life, particularly his mother, affectionately known as Mimi, and his sister. The poems, shared in recognition of National Poetry Month and leading into Mother's Day, explore the unique bond and shared experiences within his family. Fields reflects on the resilience and unconditional love of his mother, reminiscent of Tupac Shakur's ode to his own mother in "Dear Mama." The collection includes a haiku and a poem titled "The Mother Load," which delve into themes of memory, legacy, and the cyclical nature of caregiving. Additionally, a poem dedicated to his sister highlights their lifelong connection and mutual support. The content also invites readers to engage with Fields' previous poetic works and provides a glimpse into his personal life and professional endeavors as a poet, essayist, and civic strategist.

Opinions

Fields expresses deep admiration and gratitude for his mother's resilience and love, akin to the sentiments Tupac Shakur conveyed in "Dear Mama."
The poems suggest that the author's mother and sister have been central figures in his life, shaping his experiences and growth.
The author believes that the act of remembering and honoring one's mother is a continuous and evolving process, as captured in the poem "The Mother Load."
Fields sees the relationship with his sister as a source of strength and motivation, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
The inclusion of Tupac's "Dear Mama" indicates the author's appreciation for the way music and poetry can universally resonate with personal experiences of love and familial bonds.

April Showers III: The Mother Load

Poems by Ed Fields In recognition of National Poetry Month

Photo of my sister Yvette (L) and mother, Victoria

My mother’s nickname is Mimi. It was one of those natural nicknames that eased into our lives with the birth of my nephew nearly fifteen years ago.

My mother and sister were the very first women I ever loved and I am fortunate to still have them both in my life. We have experienced triumphs and struggles. The concoction of dumb luck and decisions has textured our lives in ways that are familiar to us and only us.

I see them and they see me.

I shared my first post of personal poems in recognition of National Poetry Month in April 2020. This is now an annual tradition.

April Showers III blends some very new and some very old sentiments, including the timeless sweetness of Tupac’s Dear Mama. Tupac captured the brilliant resilience, commitment, and undying love of his mother, Afeni Shakur. He made us all feel connected to the mothers and mother figures that nurtured us through it all.

So, for my mother and yours, I hope you find a moment of revelry in these words as we transition from National Poetry Month to Mother’s Day.

Enjoy!

mimi a haiku for my mother. written October 2021.

mi mi mi mi mi a clear throat and a nickname mimi, all the same

The Mother Load a poem for my mother. January 2022.

do it for mama means something different now

a new mandate a new moment

a new now

framed memories on her walls

are antidotes for doubt

she was there for us we have proof.

when she is lost we find her

lugging memories like sand in a metal sieve

scattered across a beach awaiting the tide.

her mind more in sync with the season than the moment

ebb and flow ebb and flow

frothy forages through the mind uncovering relics long buried

for good or for bad.

some relics belong at the bottom of her ocean

others deserve to be rescued and reclaimed revived and magnetized

placed on the refrigerator door where reminders are never more present and invisible all at once.

she brought us into this world

carried us to term it is our turn

we remember we hold hands we breath we pray we push

we deliver her back to the moment and toward some undetermined future

she ain’t heavy she is our mama.

do it for mama

means something different now.

Sister a poem for my sister. written 1998.

you were the one that was there from the start

you were the one I pushed on swings at the park

you were the one that I had to fight

you were the one I hugged goodnight

you were the one that made me strive harder

you were the one that i call a self-starter

you were the one for years I would reside

you were the one that had eyes that mirrored mine

you were the one upon whom I did boast

you were the one with whom I love to be close

you are the one I truly love most.

Dear Mama by Tupac Shakur. released February 1995.

Read my previous April Showers poetry posts.

April Showers: Poetry by Honestly Ed

My entire catalog of poetry on Medium

medium.com

I am a poet, essayist, and civic strategist based in Birmingham, Alabama.