Mother

by Julia Campbell

If I could pull from you

the child you were,

I would rock her gently in my arms,

and hold her hand

until it stops shaking.

I would sing soporific lullabies,

leave the light on

all night,

and whisper, “I love you,”

before I close the door.

She would not sleep

in a dark corner that reeks of booze

and sweat, or wince

at every sound.

I would send her to school

in a brand-new dress

and shiny Mary-Janes,

so her classmates wouldn’t snicker

or exclude her from their games

of hopscotch and tag.

She wouldn’t have to wear

long-sleeved sweaters, in the summer,

to hide the bruises from home.

I would make sure

she was happy and knew love;

then I would lay her in your arms,

Mother,

and we would watch her sleep

peacefully.

Inspired Majesty by Joseph A. Ehat

Book of Mormon Chessboard by Lendy C. Perez

Deborah by Lendy C. Perez

Aztec Version of a Great Nation by Lendy Perez