A Poem 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

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?” 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, 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.