The Breath Prayer of Mothers
Inhale: their smoky tempers, all aflame, fiery and persistent in their desire
Exhale: calm and firm, consistent boundaries
Inhale: their sweaty anxieties, all wrapped up in things they don’t understand
Exhale: a peaceful presence, unwavering even in your own misunderstanding
Inhale: the taste of rebellion, their wild energy dancing away from you
Exhale: grace, the very grace you’ve tasted of in the wake of your own rebellion
Inhale: their deep and honeyed need, sweet and sour all at once
Exhale: your own, the taste sweet and sour too
Inhale: the crisp air of joy, their laughter filling your home
Exhale: a fresh rush of the same, their laughter having filled your heart
Copyright © 2023 Miller Voigt.
Miller Voigt is a writer based in Asheville, NC where she lives with her high school sweetheart and their two kids. She began writing short-form essays and poetry after giving birth to her oldest child four years ago. Writing has connected her with others and helped her process motherhood, womanhood, and personhood. She loves reading, thrifting, and a good coral lipstick.