Other Mother

I remember the day your mother died, we were racing in the minivan, you got a call, in the mirror I could see your eyes

I remember the day your father died, in the kitchen of my aunt's house, you weren’t there, thank god you were by his side

I didn’t know them well, but they’re a part of you, so they’re a part of me as well

Mother, will you take my eyes? You’ve seen a lot I want to try, to rinse yours off and carefully dry, for now please take mine

I remember the day I split my eye, you raced me to the hospital, you saw a needle, a needle near your baby’s eyes

I remember the day I split my heart, you picked me up, took me with you, fed me well, and waited for me to start

You’ve healed my body well, and you’re a part of me, so I’m part of you as well

Mother, will you take my eyes? You’ve seen a lot I want to try, to rinse yours off and carefully dry, for now please take mine