Day 20 of 30 Days of Poetry, Autumn 2024
A mom is god on this green earth the maker of people. When a mom dies maybe her spirit goes to heaven but she never leaves. I know now after 10 years passing her being always by my side. A mom lies awake years after her kids move out, wondering are they safe did they eat are they drinking water did they lock their doors Did I do enough? A mom lets you down says wrong things slivers of cutting words that etch into memory in between the tidal waves of forgotten giving. A mom eats last sleeps least worries most forgets to pack her own food for the trip the zoo. A mom dies trying dies waiting dies wishing she'd done better done more. A mom holds onto you at every age cutting and pasting hot cross buns hockey assists homecoming dresses. A mom creases and folds and wrinkles and expands into stretch waistbands grasping at scattered love like dandelion seeds.
Today’s the 10th anniversary of the passing of my mom, Georgia Howard. I sure do miss her weekly phone chats, her warm hugs, her direct ways. Like a lot of kids-turned-parents, I understand my mom and dad much more as I’ve become a parent myself.
Also today’s word was “dandelion” for my friend and wonderful mother, Valorie.
I can tell your mom was very special to you. This was a beautiful tribute!
Sorry for your loss, even 10 years still on some days seem like yesterday.