‘To a Russian Mother’ in support of Ukraine

Thanks to the many North Shore residents who attended the rally in support of Ukraine on March 27th, at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Organized by the Maple Hope Foundation, the rally provided ideas on how to help and information about relevant history and current events. Keep your eye on the Foundation’s website for information about future rallies.

One of the many stirring moments of the rally was the reading by Ukrainian Congress leader Natalia Jatskevich of a letter just issued by Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, who addressed herself to Russian mothers, imploring them to call back their sons, husbands, brothers from killing Ukrainian children.

We can donate; look for ways to support people fleeing Ukraine; and attend rallies. But it’s hard to avoid a sense of futility as we watch what’s going on. Out of that feeling, and with Olena Zelensky’s words in mind comes my plea…

To a Russian Mother

You have the key.
You have the only key.
The world stands forlorn and futile.
Billions feel like me.

You may not think you matter
But you are not alone.
Only you can end this madness,
Let our friends go safely home.

You didn’t ask for greatness.
You didn’t ask for fame.
But your sons will listen to you
When you call them each by name.

You as a Russian mother
Know this war is just insane.
Will you join with other mothers
To bring peace back to Ukraine?

John Weston is a former Member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country. He is a member of the Conservative Party.