On Mothering

If I could change one thing
I would
smack that cigarette out
of your calloused hands
Hold
a plastic bag over your head,
then
lift if off so
you can feel
free again.

If I could change one thing
I would throw your crisp pack,
Marlboros, into the fire
and I
would replace the fumes with kisses
breath life into your mouth
a mother bird feeding her
weak child

did you know you are weak?
do you face that every day?
you are a coward
only
a product of our unforgiving society

how else
would you relate?
how else.

those tortured sinners,
nestled
side by side in flimsy cardboard.
bars of a jail cell, white and perfect.
hideous. beautiful.
are they home to you?
are you sure
your home is
where you want
to end up

Let me be your home.

April 9, 2014