For My Mother on Mother’s Day | A Poem Made of Wounds

This started out as a response to my own challenge, but somewhere along the line, it morphed into something of a cathartic exercise. Today is Mother’s Day in the U.S., and while I wish most of the mothers inthe countrya happy day filled with love and family, I can’t help but think about my own mother, her recent illness, and my traumatic childhood.

For My Mother on Mother’s Day

From the first day — no, scratch that
Even before I was born
I wasn’t enough for her.

Looking back, I think
What sh...