Poems of Motherhood
Persian Lilac
For Taleen
Smell of Persian lilac
Hot water
A little person
With me in the tub.
The small head
Pressed against my chest
All four legs stretched out
Ready to talk.
She said:
Men pee standing up
I said:
We women, have two things sticking out
Our breasts
She said:
I already know that
When I grow up
I want to be just like you.
I made her head like a unicorn’s
She scrubbed my back
Her hands slippery
Her smell sweet.
I said:
I’m going to help you
Grow up nicely.
She said:
I already know that.
Her back was so straight.
:: Design by Waterman
:: Logo woodcut by Barbara Leventhal-Stern
