God Mother

 She breathes

And life is.

The mother knows her own:

The one she grew in her own body;

The image of herself.

She will defend her

Protect her

Fight for her

Give her life up for her –

Even as the child

Flees the embrace

In pursuit of herself.

 

Tender,

She rejoices in her daughter’s joy

And weeps with her in her failure:

Holding the brokenness,

Like the newborn, close.

She pours out herself,

Again and again

Take from me, child,

I am enough for you.

 

Her arms

Are expansive, welcoming,

Comforting, safe.

Her hands

Hold and steady,

Guide and correct.

Her back -

Testament to the faithful

Bearing and caring of the years –

Is strong and straight.

 

Her kiss brings healing –

To the hurts seen and unseen,

And her song echoes through the night,

Singing over her beloved:

Do not be afraid, child,

I am with you.

 

Hers is the voice that calms the storm

And hers are the ears quick to hear,

Her feet quick to run to the

Child’s cry.

Her heartbeat is the rhythm

The child remembers from the womb

And hears in echoes all her days –

 

The signal drum

Leading her home.