Mother Smothered … Her breast, a breast, the breast is gone. That’s the One (the Only) I feasted on. To long … to long.
She (the butcher) cut it off to set me free. Free … free. But would she ever … never … rid herself of me (the butcher)
I suck. I sucked. The milk, went sour. Hungered daily. Suffered. Endless hours.
Then …
I saw (the butcher) another … way. Back! To the womb. A lengthy, healthy, happy stay.
So, I checked (the butcher) Back! In the only lonely home I knew. A warm quiet single. A little damp. No view.
Room to grow, I grew
Mother knew.
She had company a season deep. The innkeep swept. Sweeps. Broom to room. The company she keeps … seeps … weeps … reaps (the butcher)
Mother pushed
Her. Decision quick a decision short. She (the butcher) had decidedly chose to abort. Both hands on hips … out … I slipped … again …
I saw (the butcher) the light. I heard. This woman (the butcher) unruffled, undeterred
To get
Out!
I came. My nest and all. My things … a ball … myself. Full circle. Ready for the fall. Again … bouncing … bouncing
Mother called
“I’d give my right arm for you!”
And I would take it.
by Tam Ampomah
padded papers 