Mother Tongue
I bestow new words upon you
slippery syllables
like silken drops of milk between your lips.
your eyes widen in recognition.
word by word,
your kingdom
expands
extends
as you take grasp control
of the sovereignty of your own story.
Doireann Ní Ghríofa’s poems have appeared in literary journals in Ireland, and internationally. The Arts Council of Ireland has twice awarded her a literature bursary (2011 and 2013). Her pamphlet of Ouroboros has recently been longlisted for The Venture Award (UK). This is her website.
Note: This poem previously appeared in Ropes Anthology 2013