She Did Not Know

You are a joy to love
And a blessing to the world.
This is the simple fact.

Remember it when your mother
Is misguided by her culture
And her longing for space and freedom,
Recognition and the resource of community.

Remember, when she withdrew 
Her presence from you,
She did not know 
That she was love, comfort,
Life-giving nourishment,
Or the oxygen
For the breath of your being.