She Gave Me Life
(A Mother’s Day Tribute)
Her smile shared laughter when pain and poverty
challenged her soul. Her eyes sparkled joy
when sadness weakened her courage
…but she stayed strong
because through her journey on this earth
the gifts she birthed
were the reasons she knew she belonged
she was just sixteen years when she labored
me into this world, instantly transforming
into a woman as she held me in her arms
and from that moment she gave
me vision, as through her eyes
I found my path towards success. There were sticks
and stones on those long, winding roads, but she showed
me how to keep going and never like fear
blind my ability
she gave me talent, as through her artistry I learned
the skills of written language. There were times doubt threatened
to challenge penmanship, but she taught me
how to find the poetic language of my heart
she gave me strength, as through her struggle
I learned to never give up. There were times when the skies
darkened and drenched me with internal pain, but she guided
towards the sunshine, brightening the confidence
of my definition
and she gave me hope, as through her being
I learned how to love. There were times I felt
locked in a closet, afraid to be me and afraid to feel, but
she accepted everything I am, giving my individuality
the freedom to heal
though I miss her presence still,
I celebrate her memory,
I celebrate her continued nurture
as I will always be thankful
She gave me life.
© 2020
Tarringo T. Basile-Vaughan
