Mother

Naked, bleeding and spent you were
when I first met you.
Exhausted, but exhilarated you were
when you first held me.

Two steps I took, ten you ran to catch me.
I knew you’d never let go, never again.
You laughed a lot for me, when you were crying inside.
I didn’t understand it then, but now, I do.

You said I was your whole world,
in your silent gazes at night
in the way you kissed my toes
in the anger at my wrongs.

Through all my mistakes, all my follies,
you stood by my side, sometimes brave, sometimes scared,
like a shadow that wouldn’t let go
even when I tried to run away.

I knew, you knew my pain.
I knew, you were crying inside again, but laughing for me.
You still said I’m your whole world,
with every look and every sigh you took.

I am beginning to understand you now.
I am here to hold you now.
I want to tell you ma.
That you are my whole world as well!