My Mother

I love you, mum

"Mothering is intensely physical."

My mother's womb stretches to make room for me.

I am warm.

"As a mother-to-be, your body is creator, incubator, provider, and protector."

My mother lays beside me in my too-big bed so the monsters can't eat me.

I am safe.

"As a mother, your body makes milk, provides warmth, and security."

My mother puts extra sugar in my already sugary tea when I cry.

I am cherished.

"You feed your baby, rock and carry her, and cradle her in your arms." 

My mother dances with me in the summer sun.

I am free.

"She knows your smell." 

My mother doesn't know but I spray myself in her perfume before leaving for university.

I am her.

"She roots for milk." 

My mother brushes my hair and is careful on the knots.

I am peaceful.

"She falls asleep next to you."

My mother hugs me when we say hello, and once again when we say goodbye.

I am home.

"More than anyone else ever can, she needs your body."

My mother makes me my favourite meal when I need it most.

I am loved.

"She loves and appreciates your body." 

My mother stares at herself in the mirror.

I stare back and trace the gentle curves in front of me. I know how much I love to hug her. To smell her perfume. To eat the food she cooks and drink the tea she makes. I do not think I would be me without her.

I am my mother's daughter.

"So should you."

My mother.

I am proud.

Author's Note

the quoted parts are from a mothering book I saw online and it made me think of my mum :)