For him
smothering love,
pain, uncertainty,
total acceptance
the way it was,
smothering love,
pain and pleasure provided
in equal measure,
by mother.
It’s the way it was,
unquestioning obedience,
the need for comfort, warmth
and closeness,
conflicting with expected
maelstrom,
the way it was,
tears and joy,
hand in glove
in equal measure
never knowing
which
was on offer