Tongue Bifurcation

Mother can’t help you with homework.
You know this but you still ask her
Because she likes it when you do.

She gently takes the book and puts
Her glasses on, pretends to read,
Then smiles and hands it back to you.

“You’re much more smart than me,” she says,
In broken English, accented
By this native tongue that we share.

This native tongue, whose shadow bears
A heavy weight on her, which she
Carries almost effortlessly.

This native tongue, whose shadow’s slipped
Its grip on you for some years now
Because of all the books you’ve read.

Because of all the schooling done.
Your friends don’t even speak the tongue
Your mother weaves her language from.

It’s hard to hold two tongues in one
Small mouth. The knife looms overhead.
It’s blunt steel slowly sharpening.




Poetry by Sameen The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 91 times
star mini Editors' choice
Written on 2026-03-27 at 13:12

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Editorial Team The PoetBay support member heart!
Your poem has been chosen to be featured on the home page of PoetBay. Thank you for posting on our poetry website!
2026-03-30


Albert Vynckier The PoetBay support member heart!
well, physically, it looks like a snake tongue that ssssss
2026-03-29


Griffonner The PoetBay support member heart!
In my interpretation of your poem there is a marked similarity to one of my life's facets. I perfectly understand especially the penultimate stanza, which I could have written!
The protagonist should not accept the knife. In my opinion it should be avoided at all costs although I understand it is only metaphorical, and it's unavoidable cutting comes with the passing of time. Bravo!
Blessings, Allen
2026-03-28


jim The PoetBay support member heart!
Mother, son, language, love—not necessarily in that order, that's how I read this poem—which ends ominously.

I see love, an easy kind of familial love. Acceptance.
2026-03-28