Dear Mother

By Gina Yang, 18, Massachusetts

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The poem “Dear Mother” is a poignant and introspective letter to my mother that reflects on the disillusionment and shattered illusions of childhood. The poem explores the contrast between the idealized world of childhood and the harsh realities of adult life. The poem also touches on the themes of loss, disappointment, and the struggle to hold on to hope and faith in the face of adversity.

I experimented with the spacing in my poetry to convey the shattering of my soul as I matured and came to the realization that the world is not a fairy tale, but rather a succession of trials, obstacles, and unforgiving truths. The greater spacing to the right conveys the emotions of betrayal and stark realities, while the more condensed text to the left represents the hope that once resided within me. 

Photo by Jessie McCall