Poem: The Mother Wound

In our fast-paced lives and amidst the constant noise of the internet, I feel it is essential to dedicate this space on my website to healing and introspection. Here, I hope to offer a much-needed refuge.

The poem you are about to read deeply resonates with me, evoking a profound sense of empathy and reflection. Written by Zuri Pommerenk, it captures the raw emotions of a protector's fierce love and the innocence of a child yearning for safety.

As you read, I invite you to sit with these words and see what arises for you. May this space be a refuge for your soul, where we can all find comfort and strength in shared experiences and the healing power of words.

The Mother Wound

Eyes closed, arms criss-cross over my chest

I hug a trembling 5 year old girl

With knotty thick brown hair that needs to be brushed.

Red dirt stained clothes and yesterday’s leaves stuck in her hair, this lonely, feral child clings to me like the last life raft.

I sit on an oversized white pillow, cradling her in my lap, holding her like a giant baby.

Her strong, but delicate tiny body gasps violently between sobs.

As she buries her wet face in my shoulder, hiding her tears, like she has learned to (they don’t matter anyway).

We rock back and forth, mini fidgety hands on my back

I kiss the top of her head, tenderly reassuring “You are safe with me.”

“It’s not your job to take care of her.”

“Your love deserves to be reciprocated.”

I am her furious protector, her gate keeper, the closest thing to a mother this innocent human will ever have.

I collapse into the sorrow of a child wasted feeling worthless, being an “Old Soul” faking smiles and not knowing any better.

How dare you take from her without giving back?! How dare you?!

Beautiful baby girl, I love you.

I will play with you, nurture you and protect you.

I promise that you will be happy one day,

That you will be loved fully, and no one will come between us again.

by Zuri Pommerenk