The Exchange

decades ago, you took
me inside you, provided
food, shelter and a home.
I still use all of you for me.

you gave me life, while
almost losing yours, you
gave me sleep, while
almost losing your mind.

you watched me crawl,
listened to me cry, watched
my first steps, listened to my
first words, my first thoughts.

yours is a debt that can’t
be paid, a trade that I don’t
have a barter for, a love that
can’t be quantified. Mother.

Tomide Abdul