The Slave Mother
Chains clink, her lullaby fades,
Beneath the weeping willow's shades.
Tears blend with falling rain,
Each drop echoes her pain.
Her hands, rough, weathered, tied,
Holding dreams she must hide.
Eyes fixed on a distant star,
Wishing, wanting, oh so far.
In the fields, she sings low,
Songs of places she'll never go.
Her heart beats a silent plea,
For the child she'll never see.
Night’s cloak, her brief respite,
Stars witness her quiet fight.
Hope a fragile, thin thread,
Woven into every tear shed.
Meaning
The Slave Mother poem explores the profound grief and enduring strength of a mother enduring the brutal realities of slavery. The poem portrays her sorrow through vivid imagery of nature and her unyielding spirit, emphasizing her internal battle to maintain hope amidst despair. Each line reflects her pain and the silent cries for the child taken from her, symbolizing a universal story of loss and resilience under oppression.
Inspiration Behind
This poem was inspired by the historical accounts of enslaved women whose maternal bonds were cruelly broken by slavery. It aims to honor their memory and the emotional landscapes they navigated. The intent was to capture the intense personal sorrow and strength within the broader context of their forced circumstances, reflecting both the historical struggle and the indomitable spirit of those who endured.
