Motherland

By Evangeline Chow

C

radled in the curve of mama’s body,

Little one is at ease. 

Comfort & Courage 

Comfort: Mama’s familiar heartbeat

Baby’s first lullaby inside the womb

Even now her body recalls the tune

Courage: Mama holding baby tight 

Mothers do anything to protect their own

Always holding on, even when she lets you -go 

•••

I am in my motherland tonight 

Where my mama, 波波 PoPo, and 太婆 TaiPos were

Cradled through asthma attacks, the Cultural Revolution, and foot-binding tears

Cradled with celebration, exhaustion, and abundance 

Cradled in mountain and river villages long before mother tongues faded to echos 

Comfort & Courage 

Motherland sings her lullaby 

     Even now my soul responds to her tune

     Motherlands still shelter their own 

     Always hold on, even when you go, go, go

Children are always welcome home.

Photo on Unsplash

---

Evangeline Chow is a Chinese American wife, mama, and cross-cultural missionary. She's been teaching in the Philippines at Faith Academy, an international school for TCKs, for the past decade. Her top 3 loves of the Philippines are: the people, the food, and the beaches! She is passionate about missions, multicultural education, and mental health.