The Art of Mothering

Being a mother is complex and to summarize it through one lens of experience does not do it justice. But here is an attempt to validate the challenges and dignity of mothering, done through a haiku with multiple stanzas. Happy Mother’s Day.

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The art of walking

in all directions at once

holding the loose ends

–

Tying them tightly

But to have them fray again:

Frayed identity

–

Afraid …of being

Lost and removed from yourself

“You” being replaced.

–

All things in two hands

…of being all things at once

All things and so none

–

Eclipsed in the light

Of others’ dreams; displacement

Bypassed by others

–

…of holding all things

And thus being left un-held

The tip of the spear

–

It is hard to be

The rich ground beneath our feet

Upholding our lives:

–

The Great Archetype

Hidden beauty and power

The treasure’s been you.