The Mother

By Audrey Voon

There will come a time
when you need a mother.
You'll look around with questioning eyes,
"Is it you?"
You will find her in strangers and friends,
in, perhaps, even your own mother.
And you will return to yourself,
still seeking,
not knowing just what it is you're looking for.
"What you need, dear child,
is to be held.
Held completely and fully."
And you will lay your body
down on the cool earth
and feel yourself
cradled and held,
and you will breathe and rest,
smiling,
knowing you have found her.

For Ananda—November 20, 2021