Portraits Poetry Series #49: Lament of Homeless Mother

 

Poor mother

hugs her child close

baby’s head lays on her chest

and his breath falls gently

on her neck.

Mother winces

in recognition of her situation

for they stand in the cold,

no blanket to protect him.

She holds him close

to give him warmth

and she hopes for mercy

from passersby –

hand outstretched.

Her other son, still young

hides behind her skirt

shy and pained

perhaps, ashamed

for Daddy left them

not long ago

and they have to fend

for themselves.

Mother’s skirt in tatters

much like the depths of her heart

and her eyes shelter tears

that she holds back.

She struggles to stand tall,

but inside she cries

where no one else can notice.

She hopes for mercy

from passersby –

hand outstretched

and they look on –

as if they cannot see.

It takes all her courage

to stand on the corner in the cold,

holding what she cherishes most

for all the world to witness.

She feigns a smile

at each car that passes,

despite the pain

and speaks to her children

of hope

she tries to weave them

dreams

but inside she dies,

every time she holds out her hand.

 

(c) Sumyanna 2017