It rained today

How deep is your love

The rain came today, heavy, persistent,
filling the air with the sweet smell of parched earth.
I took deep breaths, long, slow deep breaths,
my face turned to the heavens, eyes closed,
allowing raindrops to wash over my sun dried skin.
It filled the age chiseled cracks and creases,
ran through salt and pepper stubble
before dripping from a jaw line that refuses to acknowledge the onset of age.
I smiled to myself, thought of mum and
how she always commented on our "good genes"
age defying genes she said, but mums do don't they.
In her mind I was faultless, could do no wrong,
and if I did, well, she never let on verbally
but was unable to disguise the truth in her eyes.

She has been gone 14 months now and not a day passes
where she isn't in my thoughts,
these sometimes bringing smiles, other times tears,
and of late frustration.
Frustration brought on by my inability
to clearly recall her face, her features, smile...
It's as if I'm forgetting her, as if my love wasn't deep seated enough
to carry her with me through the rest of my life,
as her love carried me through mine, and this saddens me greatly,
has tears welling...

It rained today, raindrops washing my tears through salt and pepper stubble.

Reviews

[NormaZ]

I love the details in your poem. I lost my mom 4 years ago and still miss her. Smiles and tears for sure. It was a joy to read your well crafted poem.

[Carola]

a very touching poem & lovely tribute to your mum, gee.
you were lucky to have had such a memorable mother, it's not everyone's fate in life.
cheerio carola

[Gee]

Thank you Carola

[Mk.t.g]

Such a lovely and awe-inspiring poem.

[Gee]

Thank you for dropping in

[Kelly Scheppers]

Gordon, it's been quite a while since I've read something that moved me the way this did when I read it. I'm certain others will feel much the same, and even find themselves relating to the void that grief imparts upon our lives. You've done her memory proud. May you feel blessed by her spirit with an overwhelming warmth. May it embrace you and make you feel she is still with you. For she is!

[Gee]

Hi Kelly, apologies for the late thank you, thank you:)
Hope you are well

[Elaine]

You will never forget her and I believe your writing will continue to honor her life and relationship. Grief is a mix of messy and a contrast of conflicting feelings for sure! As the "mum" of a 25 year old son who I am very close to - this brought hope of the lasting connection I hope he has with me when I am gone from this world. Thank you so much for showing us your "deep."

[Gee]

Thank you Elaine

[Betty Hermelee]

very heartfelt poem Gee; and a wonderful tribute to your "mum"... interesting that the rain brought all this to your mind....bittersweet memories of her, and some sad thoughts of what you might have done better..... but we can never think that way because none of us is perfect and we all have spats with our mums now and then, but don't let the rain wash away those cherished memories of her. nice write.
Best, B.

[Gee]

Hi Betty, thanks for popping in :)

[M. J. Smith]

No! Leave it as is! A beautiful tribute that surely would touch her, as it has touched this drifter. When it matters, her spirit will return to your memory. Details may slip, but the important things, her lessons, her beauty, her kindness, these will live on in you. Let your life and work become her monument, my friend. That will be the greatest tribute of all.

[Gee]

Thank you MJS

[Shelley Warner]

I like how you relate rain to thoughts of your mom. I like how she said she had age defying genes, but she aged anyway. Good emotions

[Gee]

Thank you Shelley

[red93]

Really excellent Gee - 100% for this one - so relatable.

[Gee]

Thank You Red

[Stella Armour]

This is just beautiful Gee. I see no wrong in my son either .....
A short review, but the poem speaks volumes of love .....

[Gee]

Mothers and sons :)))
Hi Stella, hope you are well, thank you for dropping in

[Stella Armour]

my pleasure ....