Miss Nonine

I wish That I had a chance to know a mother Like the ones others have Like you I wish She had been one to care Like a mother should To love us equally As we are To love me a little I wish I could say I’d cry when I lose her But all the tears I’ve ever known Were beaten from me With vicious whips and cracking words What would I grieve for? I wish I had memories like those I hear them recall Of a mother who held them close Who whispered softly “Things will turn out alright” Who didn’t bribe them to hide their shame Who didn’t hide them to lock them away Chase them away I wish I had a mother I could call my mother One I could call “Mom” just once and mean it Like they mean it I wish I could look back on my life and see the happiness there Only this time unmarred by harsh words and deeds Where I was given a blessing of faith In hope and in a promise of happiness Instead of despair Instead of broken promises I wish I wish I had a mother like you Just like you