A Mother's Ambivalence (posted after Sandra's True Story)

[apoetwholovestosing]

The poem below was written many years ago when I was attending a writer's conference...My two daughters were in their late teens, between 16 and 18 and thought they had all the answers and didn't even know the questions. I read this poem at this conference and every mother roared and wanted a copy. My daughters hated the poem and cried about it...to this day they think I was wrong to write it and have it published in my first book. They are now ages 60 and 62. So Sandra you are not alone

A MOTHER'S AMBIVALENCE

They have my head on the shopping block
But I will not flinch or cry out
From the pain of their prodding
As they pull and push and try to twist
My spirit as well as my mind!
Too long have I been their slave!
Their mentor I've long ceased to be!
Free me you shackles of my womb!
Free me flesh of my flesh
You subjugators of my soul!
You who love and yet destroy me,
Free me, you who I call my children!

Dorothy Alves Holmes
A Poet Who is Singing Still

[Cindy]

I can all too well relate to this. All too well. Great poem.

[Sandra Martyres]

Many will be able to relate to this poem Dorothy... Great penning, I am happy that you posted it after reading my piece...

[Stella]

oh yes Dorothy, their comes a time when they must see you as a person in your own right, sadly some never actually manage this..

[apoetwholovestosing]

I must say my daughters, who were always beautiful, became fine productive women, every now and then, mentioning the poem. My mother always said, "Things that hurt instruct!" LOL
Dorothy