The Mother

I sit here in this upturned vessel,

and i look at you, your grey eyes

and scarlet lips.

I see the child you brought into this world

who brought with it smothering melancholy

and infinitesimal joy

and i laugh

for the child is your world

yet the world is black

and lack of light brings deprivation

my gift to you, intensified,

and returned.

- 2007