3:15 Experiment Poetry: August 1, 2010–a poem for my mother
August 1, 2010 3:15am
a poem for my mother
Unexpected and sudden.
That’s how I describe how
my mom died last night
Friday night July 30.
Now it is
the middle of
the night
& barely morning
and I am
wide awake
with my loss.
Usually this time of year
I am composing a
birthday card for her–
73 this year.
Instead I brought her present
to her empty house
to her empty house
filled with her family.
My mom loved
nasturtiums
deep reds & oranges especially
she marveled at the variety & color
did you see that one
she’d say
oh that’s scrumptious.
That was the color
of her front door
of her garage door
the greens of a
avocado inside and out
flesh and bones.
She lived in the
converted garage
of her parents house
even after they died
she preferred that
over their bedrooms
which she rented out to make
ends meet.
There is too much to say
and all of it inadequate
So I am trying to tell you
about the birthday present
I couldn’t give her:
The woven bedspread
the color of nasturtiums
my sister & I
laid on her empty bed
yesterday
It was perfect
she would have loved it
and it makes her bed
seem less empty
by Gwendolyn Alley
This poem is dedicated to my mother Suzanne Lawrence who passed away Friday, July 30, 2010.
Since Nov. 2007, I have publish poetry most Mondays, mostly my own but sometimes by others. For poetry by other bloggers, check out the Poetry Train.
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Gwendolyn, I’m so sorry for this very sad time and exquisitely painful loss. My mom will take good care of your mom. There are many lovely people in heaven. So sad news this morning.
thank you for sharing this, through your pain. thinking of you.
So sorry Gwendolyn.
((hugs))
love is something you can always give, not in material form though…
heartfelt poem!
:)
Thank you Jo, Danika, Julia, Gabrielle, and Jingle for your kind words of encouragement and support.
Dear Gwendolyn, Sending you love from this side of the country – thank you for the beautiful poem about your Mom. What an amazing person – I love the costumes and steam punk time traveler outfit. I’m at my folk’s house in NC thank you for helping me appreciate this time with them. I will alwasy be gratful for your exuberance and creativity and will be thinking of you lots in teh week ahead in this hard time. Love Lee Ann
Excellent poem, thanks for sharing your work.
I am so sorry for your loss! This is a beautiful poem, a wonderful tribute to your mom!