Mothers to Many
Even if you’ve never had one, you’ve had plenty

Open your hearts you who feel motherless and brace against the dawn, Armed to the teeth, cheated and snuffed resenting a void.
Recall and recount, for on each little finger a mother stands, open and soft, sent to you no less by God than had you been born by her.
Or him.
A love light independent of gender, brimming wings of fiery protection shield the vulnerable from the pounding rain, allowing for sobs as loud as thunder.
At many a crossroads, at war, in agony, overwhelmed and uncertain, Look carefully at your memories, for a mother was there,
Preparing a broth and a table and chair, Preparing a bed and safe haven. Telling you how wonderful, how wonderful you are.
How deserving and lovely and beloved you are.
As spring opens the Earth and the Great Mother sighs, Let us all be reminded,
That scores of childless beings are mothers to many, Bestowing the gift of salve over worn, lonesome souls.
Think of them, one and then two and then three, Mothers who came just when you needed them to soothe your losses or celebrate your dreams.
Mothers’ lessons of gratitude come in many a form, snowy peaks or salty waters, rescue animals and lifelong friends, Strangers laughing in the rain.
So think back and be sated, Be filled with Grace, For you’ve had many mothers, and they have always shown up right on time.
Lay down your armor, and open your heart. It will become clear, that You have also been the mother,
When someone needed it most.
Josie Elbiry, 2022
Many thanks to Suntonu Bhadra and Paper Poetry. And so glad I found Carolyn Hastings poem which alerted me to the prompt:
