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.
I am a puddle of tears. This poem is so moving and deep. I read it at least four times just to let it truly sink in. My mother is still here but she has far too few years left with us. Thank you so much for sharing!