The Grief of Mothers of Black Sons

The national landscape of grieving mothers of Black sons is too much to bear, and the names of the victims of police shootings too numerous to count. As a mother of Black sons, my heart aches for their unbearable sorrow, even as I curse and condemn the shooters as these mothers are not allowed to do publically. I can only imagine how desperately these women must wish it had been possible to keep their male infant sons wrapped in the swaddling warmth of their maternal embrace instead of sending them out into this cruel world they were born into. A world in which they are marginalized, dismissed and often dehumanized. But the burden is hers, and often hers alone, to prepare her son for what he will soon be facing in the world outside. The Talk, the coming-of-age guard rail warning for surviving police confrontations “while Black”, is a necessary reality. A part of life thrust upon us by a racist society that still refuses to have a necessary conversation about race. A conversation that must include the remaining scars of slavery, this nation’s greatest shame. Until then, there can be no healing.

A Mother’s Prayer

by Melissa Manchester

I know you’re listening
As I lay me down to sleep
It’s not for me, I ask
But my children’s souls to keep
It seems the world is going crazy
And though I need to do my share
Could you please, take them under wing
Watch over them especially
Keeping them safe from everything
This is a mother’s prayer
I know you’re listening
In the silence of this night
The news is blistering
But I hold on to your light
And though there’s darkness all around us
By my faith, I know you’re there
Give me the strength to lead the way
Send me the words I need to say
Use me to guide them day by day
This is a mother’s prayer
I know, I can’t do this by myself
I thank you for your help
I know you’re listening
So I know, I’m not alone
I feel you here with me
As we all face the unknown
Could you return us to your garden
Where no one’s hurt and no one’s scared
Free us from pride and bitterness
Keep us so close we won’t forget
Teach us to love as you love
This is a mother’s prayer
Teach us to love as you love
This is a mother’s prayer