I pray for long life and prosperity
so you can know the joy of holding your grandchildren.
I pray for your strength,
so you can find the courage to let go and let someone take care of you.
I pray for your peace of mind,
so the choices were worth it and that your tears nurtured me into someone worthy of your love.
and I pray for your forgiveness,
for the things I said but never meant.
and I pray for your forgiveness,
for the things I said and meant but was too young to understand that you knew better.
Excerpt from Chapter 8: Dear Mother (2019) of “African Gentleman” by Jade Novelist