‘MotherSong’ poem play with original works honors mothers, influential women

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - At the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library on March 15 was a poem play.

Award-winning poet Annette Hope Billings and Dr. Jennifer J. Gordon performed MotherSong: A Poem Play by Daughters.

The performance wasn’t just about their own mothers.

“Many important positive women in our lives,” Billings said.

Coffee chats between the two always centered around their mothers, giving inspiration for the play.

“I think our mothers conspired to help us develop this piece called MotherSong,” Billings said.

They joked that putting together a show about their mothers spanned their entire lives.

All works performed were original pieces.

“It’s over many many years. I think we both pulled from our body of past work and written some new things for this production also.”

Grief and love in various forms were the main topics bringing laughs, tears and both at the same time.

“Such universal topics that it helps me as an individual,” Billings said “It helps us as community members. It’s a good thing. It’s a good thing in times when good things are needed more.”

At the end, audience members were encouraged to share memorable moments about their own mothers.

Billings work can be found on her website.

Dr. Gordon’s readings can be found on her YouTube channel.