Carmen Poem by Cheryl L. DaytecYañgot

Look at her hands with unvarnished nails
now rough from age and labor in her youth
They have embraced many babies in their cribs
and driven away the obnoxious goblins
that called on them at night and in solitude
Look at her mouth with unpainted lips
How many words have flowed from them
softly like the feel of cotton on bruised skin
restoring confidence and soothing nightmares?
Look at her eyes – they are tired and now read
through rounded spectacles about her children’s
small victories which to her seem large as life
They have seen through the heart of every child
They cried the tears for every child’s shattered dream
Her feet now set on brittle bones have walked
endless distances for a can of infant milk or a
dropp of cough syrup or a basic writing pad
Look at her ears unadorned with precious gems
They have listened to anguish, to exhilaration,
to lies, and to truths, to fiery temper, to half-meant apologies
Her skin now sags from age, her back is slightly hunched

Nonetheless.

She has had a full life. For she has given
a proud dimension to the word

Mother