.
There’s still a tender scar
from the cutting of your grave
two months ago.
No matter, you would say.
You’ve flown into the springtime
where you’re planting bright impatiens
in the shady spots of trees
and hanging popcorn fuchsias
from the limbs of everywhere.
You see a million colors:
bearded iris, bright petunias
shades of greenery
puffs of petals
bobbing in the sun.
.
Back home I listen
to your favorite symphony.
The room fills with the scent of roses,
How’d you do that, Mom? I ask.
No matter, you would laugh.
.
© 2016 Betty Hayes Albright
.
(This is for my mom who passed away peacefully on March 3rd at the age of 98.)
.
Seasonings 
I’m sorry to hear about your Mom, Betty. This is a beautiful poem. It captures in a really good way both your mother’s personality and your relationship with her.
“How did you do that, Mom?” I ask.
“No matter,” you would laugh.
Both your relationship and her personality as the poem expresses them gives the reader a healthy, good feeling.
My mother in 90, going on to 91. I am heading out to Grand Junction Colorado later this week since she is going to have to go into a nursing home. My brother stays with her most nights, but her doctor is insisting as her short-term memory gets more and more suspect, and she is falling a lot.
This poem actually helps me look at the situation we are in. Thank you for posting it.
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Thanks very much, Thomas. The poem is still in rough-draft mode (I made some quick edits just now, in fact). Was hoping to have it finished to post on Mother’s Day but didn’t quite make it.
I’m sorry to hear about your own mother’s failing health. It’s hard, very hard, I know. You’ll be in my thoughts, and hopefully your mother will still have some quality time where she can enjoy doing what she likes to do.
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Wonderful poem, Betty! I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom to cancer nearly 15 years ago now… seems like yesterday sometimes. Take care of yourself… poetry is the best thing!
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Thank you, Steven. I’m sorry for your own mother’s loss 15 years ago, and I understand what you mean: expanses of time are meaningless in the face of deep emotion…. You’re right – “poetry is the best thing!” Indeed true!
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That is so very tenderly expressed, Betty, and a eulogy that speaks for anyone who has experienced the death of someone close.
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I’m sorry – I accidentally posted that before it was ready. I wanted to try to add a word of condolence. Such a difficult time for you – and such a brave poem to offer to others; thank you.
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John, thank you for your kind comments, and your condolences. I know we all go through this – losing dear ones – but no matter how prepared we are it’s still a shock when we get “that phone call”. Your comment(s) are much appreciated.
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My condolences, Betty. Losing a parent–late or soon—changes the world for us. And it’s lovely the way flowers bring you such good memories.
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Cynthia, thank you for your condolences. You’re right – it doesn’t matter how old they are (or we are) – they’re still our parents and we’ve never known life without them. Still getting used to that. My mom loved to garden (they had a beautiful yard) and she taught me so much. Same with all kinds of music. The two go together. 🙂 (And I swear, it really happened – the room filled up with the definite scent of roses when I started playing her favorite – Beethoven’s 6th. All in my head, perhaps, but it was comforting.)
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What a lovely remembrance…the end of the poem is just perfect.
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Thank you, Charlie – I’m glad you liked the ending.
It’s always good to “see” you here.
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Beautiful!
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Thank you, Jason! (It’s been a long time – nice to see you stop by.)
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Yes it has!! I’ve got a new blog going and seem to have found a new opening and cause to share… thank you for being here!!
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I’ll try to check out your new blog soon, Jason. Sounds like another good one!
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Jason, I’m having trouble accessing your blog by clicking on your name in above comments. Could you maybe give me the link?
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Beautiful poem Betty. It is so painful, I know but it will become easier . Embrace your memories . xxxx
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Hi Willow, thank you for your kind words. I shall embrace the memories – good advice! It’s always good to see you here. 🙂
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😃
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So very sorry to hear about your mom, Betty. What a beautiful poem in her memory. Sending hugs and much love, Diane
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Diane, thank you so much for your condolences. It’s great to hear from you! Sorry I’ve been so out of touch. Once again trying to get caught up. So glad you’re continuing to write and publish!
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I’m sure she knew, and knows, how much you loved her. I don’t have to tell you how poem is, even if you think it still needs tweaking.
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(No matter but lots of spirit. 🙂 )
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