On this Mother’s Day, the Quintessence of Mothering…

A poem written in 2015

Let Words Fall

let words fall like petals soft and fragrant

let the young ones receive

the benediction of this perfumed breeze

wrapped in mercy and steeped in love

spare the rod, spoil the child

what nonsense is that?

what utter stupidity is that?!

the rod bruises and inflicts a memory of fear

an animal-like sense of cowering and unworthiness

that creates distance

loneliness

deep sorrow

but the smile bestowed

gentle words

just a sentence or two

all that is needed

to feel the resurrection of love begin

a liquid sense of hope and relaxation entering

but most importantly

that question

that burning question

has finally been answered

yes

yes

yes, you are loved

Annie Kiyonaga

2015