Sunday, May 14, 2017

Happy Mother's Day to my mama


Ten years ago my mom, Virginia, aka: Nana Ginny, Maw-Maw, went to Heaven. I miss her everyday, especially THIS day.

On Mother's Day 2007, we went camping because nature has a way of easing me over rough spots. 

I awoke at dawn, mounted my bike, and sped across the concrete dam at Lake Carlisle. I was trying to outrun my overwhelming sadness and blow the stench of guilt off me. 

I  looked to the sky, searched the lake, yearned for a sign. As a tear trickled,  I got a sudden whiff of Mom's signature vanilla fragrance, and then... she touched me.  



Mourning Mom

High atop the dam
I pedal hard,
 feeling low.
Boats below with billowed sails
ripple the lake.

I tag the wind and search the sky for you.
A tear springs hot; I bid it not to splash.
I do not want to rock a boat,
especially mine.

As I bike away from
anguished thoughts.
wind gusts snatch my sorrow,
storm clouds swallow silent sobs.

I pause and mouth a simple prayer,
“God, let her be okay.”
I whiff a burst of hope and promise
on the early morning breeze.

Gentle tug upon my hair
tingles down my spine.
Did I really breathe your scent
and feel your tender touch,
or was that the universe caressing me?



10 comments:

Kathy's Klothesline said...

You made me cry!

Sioux Roslawski said...

Linda--Your poem brought tears to my eyes. (I guess Kathy and I are both criers.)

I know you will have a wonderful Mother's Day.

Bookie said...

Powerful and beautiful! You did a great job here. I hope you have a lovely Mother's Day.

DUTA said...

What a fine tribute from a loving daughter to a departed mother!
Such poignant words and sad imagery (in the first half of the poem) combined with
"a burst of hope and promise" (in its other half)!

Unknown said...

This is so beautiful, Linda. Your poem made me cry, and I do fully believe that the vanilla fragrance was you mom reaching out from heaven. Thank you for sharing, and Happy Mother's Day!

Connie said...

Beautiful poem, Linda. I miss my mom so much too, especially on this day. Happy Mother's Day to you.

Donna Volkenannt said...

What a lovely tribute to your mom. Happy Mother's Day to you!

Susan said...

We will never stop missing our Mamas, Linda, no matter how old we are. Your poem touches the heart. Loved it. Susan

Pat Wahler said...

A very sweet tribute to your mom, Linda.

Pat
www.patwahler.com

Julia Gordon-Bramer said...

I'm sure she really did.

Lovely. xo