A Mother’s Poem
It’s been so long
Since you went away,
My butterscotch curls
Are silver and gray.
The photos and books
That I left on the shelf
Are long boxed and packaged
Still dear to myself.
For all of those nights
Filled with sweet lullabies
Are bittersweet memories—
Now tears in my eyes.
Every hug and assurance
And hurt that was kissed
Reside in my heart
So dearly missed.
From the very first time
You fluttered in the womb
Our bond was then forged,
Our heartstrings in tune.
Our roots grow deeply,
Within the rich Earth
A mother’s love is fierce
And continues to birth.
It doesn’t end or begin,
On the day you were born,
As the stars in the sky
Don’t depart in the morn.
Brilliant and bright
Is the perpetual light
From the sphere of a mother
In the darkest night.
Love continues to grow,
As the days move along
Like the unsung refrain
Of a cardinal’s song.
I pray for all
That is fair and good
For I vowed to keep you safe
It is all understood.
A mother knows how
To break apart and share
The love for her children
With some left to spare.
Worries and Fear
Wash away the night
When your unfurled wings,
Prepare to take flight.
When wayward angels
Show up; when they stray
I might dream you home,
If just for a day.
Until then, I must
Be right here where I know,
And think not of tomorrow
Or the undreamed soul.
Did I teach you well?
Was my embrace too strong?
Will you remember me now,
Or after I’m gone?
It’s time to lift up
A heart that grew heavy
Letting go of earthly things
It’s time; I’m ready.
A mother’s joy
Is in all that we do
When we’ve raised our young
Is there nothing more to do?
For them and for me
I will carry the torch
—a fire for burning
And not meant to scorch.
We can love; we can wait,
But ’tis how we will tire
Forgetting to tend
To our own inner fire.
To my children, I say
I’m here every hour
And my love for you
Blooms with the wildflowers.
Just as the seasons
Come and they go.
There is life that awaits
Beneath the ice and snow.
Scattered about
Between Heaven and Earth
Is a child’s untamed soul
Before she gave birth.
I will find all her pieces,
And open the door,
To welcome her home,
—the young girl from before.
Somewhere surrounding
Both the night and the day
I became an old woman
When you went away.
© Mj Pettengill
February 2, 2022