Judgment
“Are you a good witch or a bad witch?” — “Rating” Mothers
“Are you a good witch or a bad witch,” Dorothy asks Glinda, who has no problem naming herself as good. When we apply the question to mothers, we’re in thornier territory. In reading submissions this year, we noticed a number of works focused on questions around just that determination, “good” or “bad” mothers.
The concept of judgment raises questions. Who is judging? Society? Religion? Children, parents and other relatives can weigh in, but even complete strangers judge mothers. And when is the judgment taking place? Mothers and children may see events with different eyes, based on when they look. They may question their own past judgment.
In this folio, poets and prose writers illuminate “Judgement” from diverse experiences and perspectives.
Judgment
Cristi Ackerman Wells – My Mother – Nonfiction
Starr Davis – Strange Fruits – Nonfiction
Elīna Eihmane – Night Mommy – Poetry
Blair Hurley – Breastfeeding in a Pandemic, and the Early Sacrifices of Motherhood – Nonfiction
Kristine Kopperud – When you ask if I miss Dad – Nonfiction
Heather Lanier – Origin Story With Porcelain Duck – Nonfiction
Cynthia Neely – A Sturdy Well-Built Home – Nonfiction
Dzvinia Orlowsky – Our Dolls Were Naked – Poetry
Donna Peizer – The Haircut – Nonfiction
Sally Quon – Bad Mom – Nonfiction
Lisa Taylor – Epiphany – Nonfiction