dear mother,

the one that is

always there when i need her

to lift my chin up from defeat even

if she’s fought a war that day

and to push me forward even

when she’s pulling her own weight

i hope that one day

i get to be as strong as you

and in my future

i wish to become as beautiful as you

with arms that reach for every hug

embracing every person

filling them with comfort

eyes that resemble the warmth within your soul

a soul that only knows how to give

to everyone in need of a little bit of love

courageousness and bravery are written

with silk scarves upon your chest

like a badge of honor

every day you teach me to fight

for what i believe in

with a little help from brown girl magic

squeezing our roots so i too

can feel culture bursting through my branches

bestowing the softest brown skin

gentle enough to wash nightmares away

ears ready to listen

and lips always somehow saying the right words

how do you do it all?

i am honored to be your daughter

sharing the same crazy curls and elegant nose

on top of a quaint face and lengthy legs

i am built from you

and i am truly blessed

to have a mother like you