happy mothers day to all the mothers
the nurturers, the unmothered, partially mothered
the learning to mother
the confused mothers
the blossoming mothers
the tenders, the care-taking magicians
the tired ones. Ah….

the tenderers,
the eager to mothers
the dreaming of mothers
would be mothers
almost mothers
not to be mothers
determined to mother mothers.

they did the best they could mothers
the accidental mothers
the conflicted mothers
the mothers who are afraid
the struggling mothers
sword-carrying mothers
the mother dreamers
the seeking balance and liberation mothers
guilt-ridden mothers
workaholic mothers
desperate to love and be loved mothers.

and then there is the GREAT MOTHER inside
free from any story or particulars
pure, ordinary, unnamed mother.

may we know this infinite mother
relax into that wide expanse
of presence and mercy
the deep deep care
that can also have the lightest touch
or not
all of the pieces are fair game.

may we re-member this fierce whisper of kindness/inclusion
in our bones
in our breath

again and again

* Dalit Berkowitz

May 13, 2018