Mother's Hands

Remembering..

A simple autumnal leaf,
dry, cracked,
veins pronounced,
each of its five tips curling, arthritic
as if closing,
desperately trying to keep a last hold on life...

Tears came, surprising me,
visions of mum and her soft parchment hands filled my head.

Author's Note

Missing mum

Reviews

[Lorry]

You will see, feel and hear her in so many ways Gee, as you so beautifully described. The familiar smell of home baking, someone using a familiar phrase, the little personal things that brought smiles, and of course tears.
We never fully understand how much we are our mothers son, until they are no longer there.
Winter misses sun, summer misses autumnal breeze, but they are only seasons, the place in your heart for them is eternal.

[Gee]

Thanks Lorry. Some memories not you like a sledgehammer.
Hope all is well up North :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, that leaf...so beautiful before its end...i am reminded of my mother as well...she was in such pain, all her joints by the end...and i miss her so much.
you wrote for us both here, my friend.
thank you.
j.

[Gee]

Hi Jacob, thank you.
Hope you are well

[Relic]

It's funny how things catch us off guard when we least expect it. A simple thing like a leaf is enough to bring back a memory so strong it overtakes with emotion. Your description is excellent here.

[Gee]

Thanks Relic

[barleygirl]

I love this! Your connection to your mum thru remembering her hands is so symbolic of all that a mother's hands do. Despite your frail depiction of her hands, we can read between the lines that you remember her hands when they kept a strong & reassuring grasp on life. A share like this is truly a gift becuz of how deeply personal this feels (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Gee]

Hi Margie, thanks, as usual. Strange isn't it the things that trigger memories. I think of her every day, sometimes with unashamed tears other times with soft smiles.

[Fay Slimm]

Oh this write is so caringly sad - I know the touch from such withered hands and my heart will be full for long after the read - - - thanks Gee for sharing your missing of mum............. Fay

[Gee]

Thank you Fay

[augustus]

I do sympathise with your sentiments. I miss my Mum too!

[Gee]

Thank you Augustus

[emmajoy]

' A simple autumnal leaf, .. .. '

Beautiful sadness, Gee. Remember, those darling hands will always rest on your dreams and - whisper them peaceful, safe.

[Gee]

Thanks EmmaJ, hope you are fit and well

[Chris Shaw]

Very touching write Gee. Simply beautiful. Years ago I wrote a poem about my great Granny's hands. I noticed when I was seven how the veins stuck out and how blotchy and thin the skin was. And yet their was a trembling elegance in the way she moved her hands round the table to find her hairpins, when her eyesight had failed. You reminded me of her. Take care while you grieve. It is a painful place to be.

Chris

[Gee]

Hi Christine, thank you.
Have just read your poem about your mum and feel so very sorry for you both. It must feel like you are mourning even though she is still living

[Chris Shaw]

It has been going on a long time Gee. Divided loyalties can be painful. I would like to do more, but have a houseful here, all my grandchildren live with me and I have to support my sick daughter. Mum is 200 miles away. It is complex and frustrating and it plays on my mind. Thank you for your understanding.

[Gee]

You come across, and no doubt are, a kind, loving soul Chris and nobody but you will be judging you, and let me tell ya you shouldn't be.
Have a good evening.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Gee. Enjoy the evening yourself.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Extremely graphic in description of an older person's hands recalled when seeing an autumn leaf. Sad but understandably so Gee and an expression of your loss and the closeness you shared with your mother. A priceless gift.

[Gee]

Thanks John, hope all is well with you.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Aye fine here in 'sunny leicester' as we are off to Croatia tomorrow.

[Gee]

Lucky you, have a great time.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Cheers Gee. No wifi as we are on a gulet cruise.