Mother

Towering tree 

with protective branches

Not to be cut down

and used as a crutch

or a stump.

Fuck that Giving Tree bullshit,

just another way to indoctrinate and exploit

women and mothers throughout time.

Get off your ass, young man

and show some respect

for your MOTHER.

Fierce waves crashing in the sea

and blustering wind,

rain pouring down your face

as you cry bitter tears

grieving your failures and missteps.

Did you think you wouldn’t make them?

Own them.

So you can own your own power.

Then come to me,

face wet, muscles soft.

Come to me as the little boy

under all that posturing and rustling of feathers.

There we will meet,

two travelers

with open hearts.

And I will take you in my arms,

like the sweet runaway bunny

coming home.

There I am all tenderness

and love for you.

I will dry your tears 

and remind you who you are.

Then send you on your way, 

to try again.