An ode to moms whose love expands across distant lands;
we celebrate mothers both near and far.
Like this mother in Cox’s Bazar,
in the world’s largest refugee camp,
seeking safety, away from home.
Facing fears,
keeping strength through the tears.
For Marina and Tatiana,
not knowing when their family will be reunited.
We celebrate mothers who are delighted,
sharing tender moments through their day,
putting children first, as they work, learn, and play.
And mothers who continue to grow:
Like Rebecca who felt forced to marry her children young,
but now teaches others what she did not know,
with hopes that they’ll not face
the troubles she and her children had long ago.
Mothers to be, pregnant and already show.
Salome in Kenya
leads as a role model in her community,
helping to elevate their opportunity.
Mothers, even if not by blood,
who choose to step in and continue to love.
Lonely helped raise Swangirai as a son,
who nearly died from malnutrition at the age of one.
We celebrate single mothers who make ends meet:
Ana sells clothes so her three children can eat.
Mothers who continue, unwilling to accept defeat,
building kitchen gardens, like Margaret,
with food available and no longer a threat.
We celebrate our mothers
and those who are mothers to many.
Those who take care of one another,
beautiful and brave,
resilient and loving.
On this day, remember
to tell your mother
all of the reasons why you love her.
