Once upon a time, black mothers couldn't keep their children, watch them grow.
Once upon a time, black mothers couldn't raise their children, protect them.
Nurture, teach, love, edify, pour, comfort, shield, care, give birth.
Being a mom was is was is was is just as much of a gift then a burden.
To be present. To know they are coming back, to me.
Coming back to me.. can come back to me.
Once upon a time, children coming back to me was a gift.
To hold my kids.
Hear the sound of how they call me "mommy".
At least I can see my children, have children. At least I can mother? have children.
Bring up Kings, Queens, to mother. Mother: to give birth or bring up, to give birth and bring up?
What do they like? The sound of their laugh. Where are their scars?
Mother: to bring up (a child) with care and affection.
The sound of their cries. What makes them smile?
Once upon a time, it was a burden to loose them. Now, Upon a time, it is a burden to have them?
Grateful black mothers mother well. Mother. Well.
- Calixte, Y.
