I'm back. A little rusty, a little darker. But there are still moments of light.


Maternally Yours



Brushing fine blonde hair from her brow,
And replacing it with a light peck
I tell her she is so pretty when she smiles
She is giggling, watching two kittens play,
In a golden beam of sunlight on the floor
So innocent, such a mirror of my toddler self
I potter about the kitchen, smiling as she coos
And after pots and pans are clean,
I move through the rooms, scouting
For washing on the floor
And sheets we don't mention anymore
The afternoon sun has moved now,
Turning the tiles to a brilliant ochre
She has fallen asleep, head on the table
Running my fingers down her cheek to wake her
Marveling at her skin, so smooth and soft to touch,
I whisper close to her ear
"Hey! Come on, off to bed with you"
Tucked up bed, I gently squeeze her hand
And tell her to dream the sweetest dreams
She looks at me with big wide eyes and says,
"Thank you for putting up with me"
I kiss her velvet face, adjust the covers
And fight my tears as I reply,
I'll see you tomorrow Mum
I love you




Poetry by Purple Phoenix
Read 664 times
star mini Editors' choice
Written on 2014-02-18 at 17:34

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shells
I missed this poignant piece, the shades of mother and daughter and what seems to be role reversal reminded me of my own experience with my aged mother. You have captured a time in both of your lives beautifully.
2014-02-24


Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
Nicely done. I find it odd that no one is catching the twist at the end.
2014-02-20


Rob Graber
Wow, a very touching write! Nice to see you resurface on the bay!
2014-02-20


Editorial Team The PoetBay support member heart!
This text has been chosen to be featured on the home page of PoetBay. Thank you for posting it on our poetry website.
2014-02-19



Welcome back. We've missed your talent.

Nothing dark about this. It has a poignant tenderness that you've captured perfectly. The lines are cohesive and carry us right along to the very moving ending.

Fine work!
2014-02-19



I have enjoyed being a mother more than I have anything else in my life. My daughter is my life, and your poem brought out all those feelings with your fine words. I love your poem.
Ashe
2014-02-18


Elle The PoetBay support member heart!
Such a beautiful and tender write, I don't think you are rusty at all, a gorgeous and observant poem of the life of mother and child

Elle x
2014-02-18