Mama Mediation

we are trying to separate
why do you grasp so tightly?

I offer you all the possessions
including physical custody
why do you insist on taking

           my identity

you've never loved

           me

oh, you've said the words
done the deed
dropped tears in confession
but not to

           me

like a doll, you've played
moving my arms without consulting

           me

you cling to your
twenty-nine-year-ago version
while I stand before you

           as me


During divorce mediation, Tara’s ex-partner demanded that she agree not to use any term of endearment—in any language—that refers to “mother” with their two-year-old child.

Tara refused!

Their child calls her Mama.