Ode to The single mother | You are the foundation of this city

By Geeske van Klaveren8 juli 2024

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On sunny Zorgvlied does the text
grandmother-mother-daughter
Make me pause
The tombstone whispers an ode

Ode to the single mother
Who in great numbers populates the city
Who keeps house in all neighbourhoods
Who makes something out of nothing
You are the foundation of this city

Hidden away in a frayed edge
Concerned every day
Your child hidden, ignored, lost

Who straightens her back, even if her spine bends
Who stands her ground even if she wants to fall
You do not give up, even if everything is lost

Who is as diverse as can be
Who does not allow herself to be labelled
The clothes ironed and the hair neatly tucked in
Your 'nothing wrong' face is your salvation

Who displays infinite stress-resistance
Who makes awkward choices in order to live light-heartedly for a while
Your creativity causes a sigh of relief

Who resourcefully 'forgotten her wallet' borrows a tenner
Juggles the last pennies
Doesn't want to ask for more
You save the food from your mouth to feed children

Who bears the sores of the absent father
Has up to her with you chose it yourself
Own fault, we warned you
You crave solidarity

Who is called brave, tough and handsome
Harvesting moments of admiration
You buy nothing for that

Promise yourself
That you will not accept this unmerciful title
You are a person, a wife, a mother
Not a nameless neighbour
Promise yourself
That you will break free from the shadows.

About

Ode by Geeske van Klaveren to the single mother.

From time immemorial, there have been single mothers in the city. They were often disregarded and I wondered if they now have a full place in society. If you look at the need for autonomy, is it equal? Do they get the same opportunities? In terms of income, housing, opportunities to develop and space to care for children.