The Lydia Davis Project: Mothers
(based on Lydia Davis’ short story ‘Mothers’)
Mother – is it blood or other
That defines you?
Did you hold me in your womb?
Did you cradle me in your arms?
Did you feed me from your breast?
Mother – do I know you?
Am I your only son
Or were there others?
Was the name you gave me
What I deserved or were
You hoping for a better child?
Mother – I’m afraid
Of you dying, and
Being left alone with you.
Are those the only options?
I wonder what sorts of mothers
The other children had.