Mother, America
America.
Like my mother
I can never be fully separated
from you.
Born here.
This is where I learned to breathe,
to walk the earth,
love the people.
I know the seasons and the sun,
the way the clouds come
and where the winds go.
American.
You named me a name
I cannot take off
even if I go away.
I cannot deny you.
But
America
every minute
you show that you don’t want me,
that your love is conditional
if at all.
And although we are
forever tied
name to name
you
cannot claim me
as your own.
Without you Mother, America
I had to
learn
to
love
the curve of my own face,
the tone of my own voice,
the power of my own hands.
Without you Mother, America
I taught myself
my own love.
Until
now I am
my own mother,
my own country.
So Blessings Mother!
I finally know
your gift.
I will survive.
Because
only a mother’s hate
can prepare you for
America.
2/2017xomaya