Madonna without child

Words by Kurt Brandon Bautista

Art by Katherine Llarena

A sweet caress for a child so innocent. Gentle, so as not to wake her from slumber “Will this be the last time?”

A scene of a mother and child.

Forced by the ruthless hands of fate to protect one from this world of danger, mother shall be a stranger to her very own daughter.

The humble compound and chapel even with the laughter of its children heard, brings naught but chills and anxiety; for one knows what she will lose here.

The mother steps, daughter in arms, soles grinding against the stone floor. The pounding of her heart syncs with the gnashing of her teeth.

A chance look at the walls around her, something catches her sullen eyes; painting of Madonna and the Child–she lets out a strained, painful sigh. She draws nearer and nearer, “How could this have happened?” Approaching yet slower and “This is the best for her.”

And when daylight breaks tomorrow, the mother will be childless.

A child with new futures ahead, all yet motherless.

A love so strong that it sees the need to abandon, to give away what is most precious and dear, despite all hesitations, pain, and fears.