The toothbrush shrub in the backyard

Dedicated to my dear Mother on Mother’s day

The tallest and thickest

toothbrush tree of the village

has been at my backyard

since the time I wasn’t born yet.

It’s a place to witness

my parents’ dating

wished that the happy future had been set.

The color of the green leaves is everlasting

but unexpected thunderstorms swept away

The hateful war started

to separate them at worst.

My father died,

trees fell down

on the horrible day.

Mother has labored throughout her life

Raising orphaned children grievously

Old tree’s buds had been sprouting from dust

rising to the sky strongly.

Every morning

when the golden sunbeams arrive

She’s holding me high

to the tree

let me pick

the delicious yellow fruits.

How many seasons I’d enjoyed

in the past

as many as ages

my mother piled up.

Far from home

I always remember

the childhood

(Would someone erase fond memories

if they could?)

Looking forward

to the day

to meet dear Mother

Offering her

stacks of ripe, golden toothbrush fruits!