A Series of Ephemeral Tales

mother

Mother: A poem

By: Ysabella Susim

  Mother, I hear you from within this darkness.
Your voice is so sweet, and I can hear you.
My eyes remain shut, and there is darkness,
But I can hear you.

  The time has come, Mother.
There is a rush and then light.
Oh, Mother, hear me rejoice!
For my eyes have awaken from their slumber,
And I can see your face.
I can see the kindness in your smile, the love in your eyes.

  Mother, look at me!
My eyes are closer to yours, and I see you more clearly.
See my toothless grin as I sit, Mother, and watch me applaud you.
Hear me sing when you grant me your smile.
Hear my merry laugh as I smile gaily back at you.

  Mother! Watch me stand!
The world is vast, but tis undaunting when viewed from within your arms.
Mother, though I can now hold myself-- hold me.
For I feel safer in your arms.

  Half a decade has passed since I've first beheld you, Mother,
But still you are beautiful, still kind, still loving.
I am meeting people, Mother, who do not compare to you.
The lessons I now learn are small compared to those you've taught me.

  Mother, it has been a decade since my birth,
But the years have not affected our bond.
I adore you still, Mother,
And appreciate your love and advice.

  Mother, I am ten and four.
As I secure new friendships, I grow distant.
But do not fret, dearest Mother, for I still love you tenderly.
Time has not lessened my love for you,
But grows strong as you groom me into a young woman,
yet love me as tenderly as one loves a small child.
You are radiant, Mother,
And still kind despite the hardships I know you've faced.

  Mother, I implore you
Do not despair!
For don't you know that I love you?
I know that love has been unkind to you.
Far too many times has your heart shattered in the hands of men.
But we have been blessed, for we were given each other, dear Mother.
Let my love be your anchor, as your love has been mine,
For as long as we know love, our lives are bright and merry.

  Mother-- Where are you?
Where have you gone?
Can life be so cruel as to grant Death audience in your queenly court?
My home has been raided by Death, and you were my stolen treasure.
Mother... Where are you?
I am lost now,but remain alert.
My eyes avidly search for your smile.
My heart seeks your love and kindness.
Mother, I listen for you, my ears struggle to hear your voice, your laughter...

Alas, Mother, my efforts are for naught.
For your voice is lost in this darkness.

Dedicated to Christina Morris Susim​ 9/10/13