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  • Writer's pictureThe Magnolia Literacy Project

Lana Brown "Paying Homage to the Single Mother"

Updated: Jun 1, 2022

Magnolia Literacy Project Spotlight: Lana Brown Series

Lana Brown salutes single mothers for the challenging and complicated roles they play daily.

Brown is a graduate of Alcorn State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Communications; a Master of Arts in Secondary English Education; and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education with a Concentration in Reading and Gifted Education. She also holds a Specialist in Education degree in Psychometry from Jackson State University. An instructor in gifted education with the Natchez Adams School District, Brown was selected by the Mississippi Department of Education to be a member of the ELA/Literacy High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) Review Team in the fall of 2020.


"Paying Homage to the Single Mother"


An island

A fortress

for the downtrodden, neglected, displaced

to seek refuge

A monument to Motherhood

the father only a beacon of light

in the distance

Each passing day rendering him less important

'til a distant memory

like an ancestor

Time to strap up

Control the helm

The captain abandoned the ship

A testament to cowardice

One hand on deck

An eternal vow to be two people

Androgynous

The child

arms outstretched requiring the same necessities

as one with two Nurturers

Recognition

Acceptance

A reason to exist

A back to his bone

Stepping up is not easy

Runny noses, stinky diapers, tears just because

Homework helper, sports fan, provider, counselor, friend

Appearing to wear the hats effortlessly

The heart of a lion

Tread lightly around the cub

The hedge of protection is always near

Boosting everything

Making a way out of no way

The savior of her offspring

A shero


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