navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #39 » Ancient Maps
Open Poetry #39
Post A Reply Post New Topic Ancient Maps Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
writergrl
Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 73
Las Vegas, Nevada

0 posted 2006-10-31 11:52 AM



This poem is a tribute to my mother. She lived with my husband and me for 25 years until her passing in 2000. After many years and as she aged and became infirmed, I took care of her as a mother would a child. Through it all we had an uncanny love and respect for each other. I wrote this and read it to her two days before she passed away.    

Ancient Maps

Ancient maps from traveled roads worn
thin from time show on her face, as the twilight
shapes my silhouette on her bedroom walls, and
I become my mother’s mother.

Rumpled sheets caress her, our hands intertwine,
warmth passing from one generation to another, her
skin soft as a kitten’s fur.

Her eyes still shine as I gaze into those deep blue
seas revealing private roads we traversed as one,
while warm breezes court secrets made from bits
of the end of the day.

Forgetting her is not an option, her silver cane
now abandoned by the door still make promises
her steps, as my unrelenting cadence finds quiet
next to hers.

Time for reflections on our life cut short, like dry roots
almost free from dirt that clings, plant faint memories as
I look for her evanescent smile one more time.

writergrl ©
  
“I love you mama today as I did then, because I am still the child I have always been.”  
      

"You cannot stain a black coat."
Nicholas Nickleby

© Copyright 2006 pweaver (c) - All Rights Reserved
Interloper
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369
Deep in the heart
1 posted 2006-10-31 11:54 AM


Simply 1derful.
I look forward to more...

Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write.

writergrl
Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 73
Las Vegas, Nevada
2 posted 2006-10-31 11:58 AM


interloper,

your warm words are what make my writing so rewarding...thank you, and it is a pleasure to meet you!

hugs,
writergrl

"You cannot stain a black coat."
Nicholas Nickleby

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
3 posted 2006-10-31 12:07 PM



A heartfelt write indeed..you are so caring.
Yes, I guess some of us do become our mother's mother.
It was so loving of you and your husband to care for her at your home.
~Smiles & Hugs and more Warm Welcomes, Nancy~

Autumn, the year's last loveliest smile~

writergrl
Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 73
Las Vegas, Nevada
4 posted 2006-10-31 12:11 PM


hi Nancy,

yes, it was challenging and rewarding all at the same time...and yes, I still miss her very much, I know I always will.

Thank you new friend for your lovely words.

hugs,
writergrl

"You cannot stain a black coat."
Nicholas Nickleby

The Lady
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634
The Southwest
5 posted 2006-11-01 12:44 PM




a loving tribute
writergrl
I like your style

welcome!

writergrl
Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 73
Las Vegas, Nevada
6 posted 2006-11-01 11:04 AM


thank you m'lady, your words are welcome.

"You cannot stain a black coat."
Nicholas Nickleby

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
7 posted 2006-11-01 06:02 PM


Your deep love is felt in these beautiful words. And this Love is forever connecting you to her.

Love and welcome to Pip!

Margherita

writergrl
Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 73
Las Vegas, Nevada
8 posted 2006-11-01 06:43 PM


hi margherita,

so nice to meet you; thank you for your kind words and warm welcome!

writergrl

"You cannot stain a black coat."
Nicholas Nickleby

aziza
Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995
Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy!
9 posted 2006-11-02 01:47 AM


Such a wonderful poem!  My mother and I are best friends and I thank God for her.  Recently, I had a bit of a scare and had to look at the fact that she will not always be on this earth -- and I know she will be with me always.  She will live in my heart, my memories and my writing .. as your Mother does today.

Thank you for sharing.

xoxoxo
aziza

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
10 posted 2006-11-02 07:41 AM


this one touches me very deeply...though I did not have all those years to take care of mine when she was ill. I would have been there for a lifetime.

beautiful

Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
11 posted 2006-11-02 09:36 AM


DearLady~

This is beautiful and stirred a memory of something I had written some seven years ago~

I hope it also gives you some comfort~
--------------------------------------------

Mom's Are Like That ... Yeah, They Are
~*Marge Tindal*~

From the moment we come into this world,
we are given into the loving care of our mothers.
They love, they give, they forgive.
They lead us, they hold us, they scold us.
They pull us, they push us, they lift us to new heights.
They nurture, they nurse our needs, they kiss boo-boos away.
They guide us and then gently they release our hand to stand alone.
They follow with their hearts no matter where we go.
They smile when we succeed and cry with us when we do not.
They are always there.

~*~

They get older as we get bolder.
They prepare us to meet the world.
They retreat to watch us with pride.
They return when we need them most.
They support us when others give up on us
or when we give up on ourselves.

~*~

They get older, the older we get.
They now need us to care for them as they cared for us.
They were once the parent, now they've become the child.
We love her, we hold her, we fill her heart with our love.
She can no longer wipe our tears away.
She laughs, she cries and then she says goodbye.

~*~

And in her leaving she teaches us again.
Fear not the tears that fall for they dilute your sorrow.
And she smiles in knowing that we have learned our lesson.
--------------------------------------------
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~
Email -         noles1@totcon.com     

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
12 posted 2006-11-02 10:09 AM


I'm having trouble keying a reply through my tears. This was an exceptionally touching piece of writing. You have such a loving and beautiful soul. I believe that both you and your mother were blessed to have had each other in your lives.

My own Mom died suddenly (and far too young!) at the end of June this year and my Dad passed just 4 weeks later from a broken heart. Your poem has stirred so many emotions in me and I think I needed this release of tears, and I thank you. I have been trying so hard to be strong.

You are a wonderful writer with a very beautiful spirit. God bless both you and your  mother. She's smiling down upon you!

Love & Eternal Light,
EA


aziza
Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995
Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy!
13 posted 2006-11-02 11:05 AM


:: Just slips in and offers EA a hug ::

I thought of you, Linda, when I read this poem.  

writergrl
Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 73
Las Vegas, Nevada
14 posted 2006-11-02 11:22 AM


aziza, your comments are heartfelt and I thank you for your stopping by

"You cannot stain a black coat."
Nicholas Nickleby

writergrl
Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 73
Las Vegas, Nevada
15 posted 2006-11-02 11:23 AM


thank you passing shadows, your comments touch me deeply

"You cannot stain a black coat."
Nicholas Nickleby

writergrl
Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 73
Las Vegas, Nevada
16 posted 2006-11-02 11:25 AM


EA I am sorrowed by your account of your mother, though I can relate so well; I pray that God gives you strength...your words of comfort to me are well received and I thank you for taking the time to respond.

blessings,

"You cannot stain a black coat."
Nicholas Nickleby

writergrl
Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 73
Las Vegas, Nevada
17 posted 2006-11-02 11:27 AM


marge, your poem touched me deeply; you capture the analogy of 'mother' so well, quite elegant and filled with respect, thank you for sharing, you are a beautiful gal.

blessings,

"You cannot stain a black coat."
Nicholas Nickleby

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
18 posted 2006-11-02 12:36 PM


aziza & writergrl

Thanks to you both for your loving and thoughtful comments.

Loving Light & hugs,

Linda


Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
19 posted 2006-11-02 01:27 PM


WG...I know this feeling...you have written it with loving ink.  

PS...check your email

writergrl
Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 73
Las Vegas, Nevada
20 posted 2006-11-02 04:51 PM


hia Linda,

thank you for your kind warm words; you are a doll!

hugs,
writergrl

"You cannot stain a black coat."
Nicholas Nickleby

writergrl
Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 73
Las Vegas, Nevada
21 posted 2006-11-02 04:52 PM


martie,

thank you so much and yes, I have checked my mail and you should too!

big hugs,
  

"You cannot stain a black coat."
Nicholas Nickleby

sewasham
Senior Member
since 2006-09-11
Posts 714
Oklahoma, USA
22 posted 2006-11-03 03:25 PM


Very beautiful. It should be a great comfort to you knowing how much you did in her final days to make her feel as comfortable and loved as possible. I think this is the first work of yours I've read and it is a dandy. Take care and Have fun. Steve


writergrl
Member
since 2006-10-30
Posts 73
Las Vegas, Nevada
23 posted 2006-11-03 07:09 PM


hia steve,

so nice to meet you; thank you for your kind words...

hugs,
writergrl

"You cannot stain a black coat."
Nicholas Nickleby

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #39 » Ancient Maps

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary