Home: song for the divine mother of the universe

I had lost track of time while waiting. How long had it been since my captain locked me in the brig? How long had it been? I hadn’t done anything, nothing at all. But still, the crew was so forceful but I don’t know; that could have been because I fought back. Either way, when Chanter finally opened the cell door and let me out, I was right pissed off. We went up to the deck and there, waiting for me, was the entire crew.

“Will you care to explain what the hell that was about?” I asked the captain who stood before me, still and silent.

“I didn’t want any trouble. I wasn’t sure that you’d want to do this but I figured we’d surprise you anyways.” She said. I cocked my head in confusion. What were they talking about?

“Where are we?” I asked,

“Look around you.” She answered. I squinted suspiciously at her and made my way to the starboard side where I looked over the side. Heart stopped…..I breathed in but nothing came back out. Why? How? Was this real?

Below us, sunlight streamed down on a chilly Boston Common. The willow trees my father and I used to sit under with a picnic and pages of dactylograms, the pond by which I sat with my mother to feed the ducks. The gazebo that I’d twirl around in. It all returned in instant tears on my cheek.

“We have an address,” The captain said, walking up behind me. She slipped a piece of paper into my hand.

“You didn’t” I whispered but I knew that she had. And so I left the ship and found myself there, standing in front of what used to be my home; smooth, rounded stone steps. I climbed them and knocked.

Sweet mother I’m coming home

Now I know I’m not alone

Cause I’ve been far

Now I’m close

Sweet mother I’m coming home

Tell me mother can you hear me sing

Your love is everything

Heart and soul

Breath and skin

Your love is everything

The green door opened and my body froze staring at her. Fading blonde hair pulled back into a loose bun, her warm blue eyes that always sang me to sleep after a nightmare.

“mom” I said, my voice shaking in a whisper.

“Arabella”

Oh mother, please hold me tight

Cause mother I need some help tonight

What went wrong

Will soon be right

Oh mother, please hold me tight

Tell me mother can you hear me sing

Your love is everything

Heart and soul

Breath and skin

Your love is everything