If I Had a Mother: A Mother's Day Poem

Don't scatter roses, so the song goes.

My mother's grave has long been cold and hard

And life's victories now hollow without her

But,

If I had a mother,

I would savour the sound of her footsteps,

clobbering our cobra-waxed floors.

I would run towards her

And not scamper to my room,

I would take the time

really take the time

to soak up every sound

For no song has since trumped her humming and chiming

or her traipsing and buoyant gait.

If I had a mother

I would rub her weary feet, pop her blisters

And pour soothing oil on her bruised knuckles

and the cracks of her heels,

Until what’s left is nothing but chuckles.

I would take the time

really take the time

to ease her pain

For every fold, bump, and crevice harboured a fragile strength

If I had a mother

I would swallow her insipid grits.

And gobble her dull collard greens.

I would not whine or spew

But take the time

Really take the time

to savour each helping

For in every potion was a testament to steadfast love.

If I had a mother

I would gaze into her glassy eyes

Listen to the lilt in her voice.

And trace the contours of her jaw

I would take the time

really take the time

To see the tears behind her smile

For behind every expression

lay a hidden shrine in which her story was interred.

If I had a mother

I would bear testimony,

To her unwavering love

And not whisper words of regret

on her silent grave

I would take the time.

Really take the time.

To savour every moment,

For life, as I’ve learned, is all but fleeting.