A Late Lesson from Mama

I grew up in my mother’s shadow

Her slender, dark-eyed beauty

Clothes (hand-sewn) like a Dior model’s

Graceful athleticism

Amazing, insightful knowledge seeking.

Nutritious meals created from a hodge-podge

She gathered from the garden, the cupboard, the leftovers.

I did all I could to escape the shadow:

Zigging and zagging through religions,

Dodging and spinning in my books,

Running far away for college,

Raising kids MY way, still far from home,

Fast food, fast cars, fast fashion.

When I finally began to open my mind

About being a beloved daughter

Fate conspired with time to take my mother.

She had never been a shadow.

She was welcome shade shielding me.

Young plants don't grow and bloom

Without protection from the unyielding sun.