I have given birth to many children
From my womb has come generations
Those that rise up in wisdom and knowledge
Curly, wavy, coily and straight haired
Amber, blue, hazel, green and coal colored eyes flecked with gold
Blonde and ginger, brown and black haired
Full of words and smiles that create rainbows and cacophonies of sound
Sweet little hands and whispers of sleep
I have held you in my arms, told you of your worth, wiped your tears
And spoken to your heart
I have given you my name and those of your foremothers and forefathers
Yet, my womb remains empty…
You exist in the deep places inside me, spun down in spirit
I have birthed you. You remain close to my heart even though you cannot be seen
You are part of me, and I of you
You are the longing of my essence
The hope of generations
Though my body has yet to push you through the birth canal,
I have made space for you.
I am a mother in all but name.
It is a name written in my marrow and forged in tears
Though others do not see or understand,
I too, am a mother.
KC, 2020