By Philip Muoghalu

I might never fully understand
what it means to be a mother.

I will never biologically carry a child
or know motherhood
the way biology explains it.

But I have watched love
wear my mother’s face.

I have seen her sacrifice
everything to make sure
her child was comfortable.

I have seen her borrow.
Go without. Starve.

I have seen her carry hunger
in her own stomach and still ask,
“Have you eaten?”

What kind of love does that?

The kind that gives
before counting what remains.

The kind that looks at an empty pocket
and still searches for something to give.

The kind that makes sacrifice
an ordinary Tuesday.

I have watched her put herself last
without announcing it.

Watched her stretch little into enough.
Watched her take what was meant for her
and somehow make it ours.

She could be tired
and still become strength.

She could be hungry
and still feed someone else.

I have seen motherhood
in tired eyes,
in empty purses,
in meals pushed towards someone else,
in sacrifices nobody applauded.

Motherhood is not only
the ability to bring life into the world.

It is the willingness
to keep giving life to someone
after they have arrived.

To become shelter when the world becomes rain.
To become strength when another’s strength is gone.

To love someone so deeply
that their hunger becomes your concern,
their pain becomes your prayer,
their future becomes something
you are willing to suffer for.

I may never understand motherhood
the way a mother does.

But I have seen it.
I have lived beneath its shadow.
I have eaten from its sacrifice
and slept beneath its covering.

And if this is not love,
then I do not know
what love is.

ABOUT THE POET

Philip Muoghalu is a Nigerian poet and writer whose love for words began at an early age. From childhood, he found solace and inspiration in literature, developing a deep appreciation for storytelling, poetry and creative expression. Drawing inspiration from faith, personal experience, human emotions and everyday life. He uses poetry as a medium to connect, inspire and encourage others. Through his work, he seeks to remind readers of the beauty found in life`s journey and the strength that comes from faith and perseverance.