Praying Shrew

A son pays his respects, but the void remains.

Praying Shrew

Moss grows on the wrong side

Of the hill where Mother was buried, 

As grey skies press against my shoulder,

Making each step harder than the last.

The winter twigs break under my strides

Like shards of forgotten brown glass,

Broken beer bottles from the side-effects of young stupidity,

Of a son's rebellion and drunken boasts

"I know what I'm doing Mom! Whatever. You're a joke."

I reach your grave beneath the willow. 

I kneel in your presence,

The same slow descent,

Acting with the same manner of respect

As  I did on the night of your peaceful passing.

Putting my mouth to the earth,

I whisper words of love and sincerity

Somewhere between your tomb's stone

And the remnants of a shrew's faded white bones.

I suppose

The rodent was paying homage

Basking in remembrance so long

That he forgot food,

Forgot drink.

The mouse died where he sat,

A pious fellow pure of heart

A domesticated, civilized rat

Who loved you, Mother, from afar

Too fearful to approach

Here he died

The day he learned of your last breath's depart.

You would always laugh at my imagination, 

Putting my drawings up on the fridge. 

I leave the grave, with little satisfaction. 

 

Author's Note

An old poem I recently edited. (All my photos thus far have been from Google, save the photo from Second Chance, the Bouncing Souls pic, and my profile pic.)

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

The story was amazing in this poem. You made a simple tale come alive and create a interesting tale about a mouse and his end. A very good ending to a excellent poem.
Coyote

[alerodri]

the poem really is a window to a mother son relation that is human , u see it all not just the all loving part most people show

[Umar Hassan]

A thoughtful meditation on a son's relationship with his mother brought to stark relief in the context of death. Well done.

[Droll Prole]

this poem is beautifully imagined and expressed, very intriguing also.

[Richielee]

wow, very very well written and love how you brought the shrew into lay, excellent

[Raven Starhawk]

This poem leaves me curious but astounded by your well honed skills. I am impressed with your style.

[lleone]

I'm not sure where your inspiration for this piece came from but its strong. One of the most emotional pieces I've seen from you yet. Really, really good. You get better with each poem, honing in on details without losing sight of metaphor.