APOEM FOR MY MOTHER

A Poem for My Mother

I think of you at the oddest moments.
In the brightness of a sunny day
In the smell of a teapot left to brew
In the tilt of a woman’s head or
The curve of her shoulders
But most of all I think of you
When I see a woman with a
Pleased smile wearing a red coat
I think about the day we went into town
You tried on the coat
And said,” What does an old woman like me
Need a fancy red coat for?”
I think about how you straightened your
Back stooped with age,hard work and Parkinson’s;
Squared your shoulders
Fingered the quality of the collar
Stroked the buttons
And stood proud and smiling at
Your reflection in the full
Length mirror
Your smile conveyed the message
I’ve arrived. I’m a bona fide person.
Who has her family reared
The red coat signified your reward.
Oh how you loved that red coat
It was the hardest thing to part with
After you died
I think of you when we gather together, to celebrate,
To laugh and sing as you did despite the lack of
Luxuries in your life
I wonder did I ever think to thank you
For all the times you saved me from myself
For sharing my achievements
And soothing the pain of a first
Lost love
I think about the times I caused you
Grief and wonder did you know how much
You were appreciated and loved.
Gemma Hill ©
Writeyouwriteme.wordpress.com 2014