She’s Gone

I'm republishing this today as a dedication to my Mom on Mother’s Day. If your Mom is still alive, give her a big hug for those of us who have lost ours.

I was speaking with a friend and she mentioned something about her mother. It made me catch my breath. This poem has been formulating since.

She’s Gone

A random sight
a flash of pain
stops me cold
reminds me
she’s gone

A child reaches
grasps it’s mother’s hand
Both laugh, something between them
The sting of loss
Pierces my heart

Breath stolen
for a moment
I fight the tears
always hidden
Why now?

A mask, my brave expression
I have children of my own
never again my mother’s embrace
I had it once
some never did

It’s hard to walk
harder to breathe
swallowing hard
try to smile at them
‘Don’t cry’

Mother died, long ago
decades passed
Longer spaces between random waves
that returns me
to my mothers side

Knees find strength
I carry on
her final words
“You will be fine”
She’s gone