Everything has already been said about mothers
But not my mother
She is the spaces in between your lines and words
About love and warmth
Or anger
She is the one who gave me the bright red birthmark
when she fell into the closet
and she rolls her eyes when I remind her of that
She refused to be my friend when I needed a mother
and told me no with great force
and satisfaction
She reads my thoughts and listens
to the things that go on
in my head
She laughs in all the right places
She takes the whimsical moments and runs with them
Dancing across the kitchen or
making snow angels
at midnight
She is not the foundation you describe
Or the roof that protects
She is the fresh air through open windows
The sunshine on streaked glass
The wind chime on the back porch
The creak of the screen door
She is the spaces in between
That leave nothing empty
Or hollow
Or alone
She is life
Happy Birthday, Mom.
What a beautiful birthday present for your mum.
ReplyDeleteQuite wonderful indeed. A great tribute to who appears to be a great mom. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your mom. A raw, honest, and loving tribute to her.
ReplyDeleteHelen
Straight From Hel
Think she'd adopt me?
ReplyDeleteLovely Laurita, just lovely.
"She refused to be my friend when I needed a mother"
This line just floored me. The wisdom from both ends of that. You're so blessed.
Happy Birthday to your Mom.
:0)
I can only agree with the others, Laurita...great job.
ReplyDeleteoh I love it! great poem
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous, Laurita, gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLove how she rolls her eyes when you bring up the birthmark, and your descriptions of her as fresh air, the sound of the screen door, sunshine on streaked glass.. the spaces between other people's lines.
I bet you couldn't write that without shedding a tear or two.
And I bet your mum can't read it with dry eyes.
Beautiful.
Happy birthday, Laurita's mum!
This is beautiful! What a wonderful tribute to your mom.
ReplyDeleteShe laughs in all the right places - for me, most important!
ReplyDeleteOther lines are juicy with crystal images:
She is the fresh air through open windows
The sunshine on streaked glass
The wind chime on the back porch
The creak of the screen door
She is the spaces in between
That leave nothing empty
Or hollow
Or alone
She is life.
You make me want to call my mom, but since she remarried, it's hard to catch her at home! ;>)
Laurita, just when I think I've got the measure of your talents, you pull a gem like this out to dazzle and amaze us with your eye, ear and heart. Pleasure to know you, dear.
That is the best gift ever for your mom, at least that's what I'd think if it was me. Wonderful and beautiful. She must be so proud! :)
ReplyDeleteYour poems continue to amaze me with the emotion behind them. LOVED this homage to your mother. The first stanza, the last two lines: so true. Great title as well; lifts the rest to a higher dimension. Peace...
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone. I really appreciate you all taking the time to drop by and comment.
ReplyDeleteThat was beautiful! Cherish your time.. you never now how long you've got!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mel. You are right, time is precious. So are the memories.
ReplyDelete... so if this fiction thing doesn't work out for you, I wouldn't worry. Your poetry voice is coming alive.
ReplyDeleteI love it nothing more needs to be said.....
ReplyDelete