OH, MOTHER OF MINE (TALES OF A BLACK MOTHER)

Amalachukwu Okoye

12th Grade • Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep

Oh, mother of mine. So golden brown and strong, you mean so much to me. You teach me how to maneuver the world with your mistakes. How you became my father, so I celebrate you twice a year. How you make carrying the world look so easy. You reminded me to love my Brown no matter the shade.

Oh, mother of mine how you walked with me into adulthood; I’m not sure where’d I be without you. I

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walk in your footsteps because they seem to be the most forgiving path. You taught me what being a woman, a black woman, feels like. You taught me that being black and a woman, I am kindred to gold. We didn’t have it all, but you made sure to give us what we needed even if that meant you went without.

Oh, mother of mine. As I type the next chapter, I know you’ll be there helping me edit. I know that your many novels will help me fill mine.

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