Friday, June 20, 2014

For Mama ~ April 12, 1914 ~ June 20, 1987


This must be the first hour of  your life; you are so happy.
You wait and watch for the movement, then cry out in pain and laugh
through tears as my pure soft fingers wrap around yours.
You pull me close and whisper, "Thank you, God."

You hold my hand and we take those first few steps across the floor.
You laugh with me and put new ribbons in my glossy brown hair.
We quarrel and you say, "Can't you ever remember to keep your feet off the chair?"

Now it is noon, and I am so happy and your life seems complete.
I have grown up; I have him and I have my own little ones.
We talk and visit and watch them grow,
and most of all, I need you as a friend.
But a dark cloud overshadows you and you are alone; your heart seems to break
because there can't be another love for you.
I still come and your days are better.

I curl your silver hair, but I quarrel at you now and say,
"Don't you remember telling me that twice before!"
Now I must take you in the car because you do not trust your eyes.
I grasp your hand as we cross the street for you totter and do not hear well.

You rest and I hold your worn, thin hand.  You try to grasp it tighter
but your strength won't come.
I wait and watch for the movement.  Then with tears of sorrow I pull you close and whisper,
"Thank you, God."
I am so sad.
For now it is midnight.

I love you, Mama,
Charlotte

19 comments:

  1. That was a beautiful tribute!

    FlowerLady

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  2. Oh Charlotte, this brought tears to my eyes. It is so well-written. Hugs to you.

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  3. So beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes as well. Hold onto all the good times together; until you meet again. Hugs.

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  4. This is such a touching tribute to your Mama, Charlotte. Life is so brief - those moments spinning so quickly. You have sweet memories, and you loved her well.

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  5. This was so beautiful. I have tears in my eyes. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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  6. That is beautiful! My mother's birthday was June 20th. I still miss her. No matter how old we grow we miss our mothers. I will have to share this with my sisters.

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  7. Yes--tears as I too remember my Mother. This is such a wonderful tribute for her. I love the way it flows through the day. She was too young!

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  8. Beautiful, but touching. More tears here, too.

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  9. Lovely. My mother passed away in Sept. I miss her too.

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  10. Sentiments from the heart. May the memories of your Mom bring you comfort!

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  11. I wept as I read this.
    Made me think of my "mama"
    and me someday.
    Not many I know call their mother
    "mama" but I do and my children call me this.
    You are a special person
    and have brought some joy in my
    life in your sharing...

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  12. Awe, this brought tears. Such a beautiful tribute to your mama. Hugs and Blessings to you dear friend. xo

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  13. Beautiful. The love and caring and sharing between you and your Mom is a precious treasure trove of memories. Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute to your Mother.

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  14. That is such a nice tribute to your Mother. Did she just pass away? I still miss my Mom. Nancy

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  15. This tribute for your Mama is just so lovely and touching! It made me think of my own Mother and how much I miss her. It did bring tears, but a smile too! Thank you! I found your blog from Prairie Patch Quilts

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  16. Charlotte,
    This is such a heart-warming poem. It brought tears to my eyes. Such a wonderful tribute to your Mama. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

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  17. Charlotte, this is so beautiful.....brought back sweet memories of my mom.

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  18. Such a lovely tribute for your mother. She passed away young; I'm sorry.

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