Mama Ida

*An Adoptee Poem*

I once lived with my natural mother
She was very beautiful and kind
No matter how hard she tried,
She couldn’t take care of me
Her mental illness became too much
Where she had to sadly give me up
Because society would prefer to put blame on parents
Then help those in need

I don’t remember when or how I ended up in a foster home
All I know is little me wondered what I did so wrong
Now these unwanted feelings return as I become an adult
And no matter how hard I try,
Those feelings of abandonment do not die

I thought all my life if I was perfect,
No one would leave me
My psychologist says that’s not true thinking
No wonder my self-esteem and confidence through years has been sinking
All I can do is take it day by day

Mama Ida, I love you and forgive you
I know you were just trying to give me a better life
And society failed you
Lied to you

So, I will advocate for both of us
And for others
Through words and hope
That one-day Mama Ida
Others like us
Won’t have to be separated
But have support
Instead of being ripped apart