burden

my heart stares at memories

ones that my brain has on a repeating reel

13 years ago i told you i would be okay

i gave you permission to leave this realm

and probably for the first time in my 57 years

you listened to my words

taking them to heart

today i emptied out the carton

filled with your expectations

(the ones that have weighed me down for years)

only to figure out

your expectations shaped my life

in a good way

though they linger in the corners

of my heart and soul

i see them as a comfort now

not as a burden at all

I miss you mommy!  Tot Ziens!

 

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lydi**these words of yours are conveyed beautifully. Time can place a different perspective on people and situations. It can be difficult to deal with the expectations of others, particularly when we are young.

I see them as a comfort now
not as a burden

I do believe our parents want the best for us. You’ve emptied the carton and see that what your mommy wanted for you has influenced your life in a positive way.

So hard to lose a mother. Still early days for me.

Your poetry is always a treat to read. Hope all is good in your world.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Hi Chris! Indeed, time changes attitudes. There's no doubt my parents wanted what they thought was best for me. At times it was too heavy for me to carry since I was an only child. Now I see things in a different light. Thanks so much for your review, Chris. All is well here. Hope that is the case for you as well. Lydi**

[redzone]

I love your opening 2 lines to this poem Lydi... they say so much about how we hold onto those we love and are gone from our lives... it is through memories that we become immortal... and more, we pass on to our kids and grandkids those things we have learned from them... the continuity of human experience as it evolves through the ages...

my mom used to tell me when I was older, that she "lived through me, my experiences", I often wish I would have etold her more that those expeiences were because of her and her influences....

this is a wonderfully "nice" poem Lydi

[Lydia Shutter]

What a great review, Curt. Parents do live through their children's experiences. Their guidance leads us to the places we go even when they do not realize it. Thanks so much for the "nice" review. Lydi**

[willweb]

Such a sad but beautiful and insightful piece of writing. This one touched my heart. I lost my mother a few years ago and at times, thoughts just as these find me in the quiet moments. Thank you for sharing this.

[Lydia Shutter]

We always need our mothers, Will. Thank you for this lovely review. Lydi**

[Sami Khalil]

I felt the painful memories, the cherished love and the lessons learned.
I like how our poetess is looking at things in different ways, coming to conclusions.

[Lydia Shutter]

We are ever-changing beings, Sami. Otherwise we would be stagnant and that is no way to live! Thanks so much for the review. Lydi**

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! So true and well articulated. You are welcome Lydia of great Fl

[Lorry]

This is beautiful Lydi.
What every child wishes they could convey to those lost Mom's. And we were all children once, just like we become again when thinking of those now gone.

[Lydia Shutter]

I think no matter how old we are, we miss our parents. Thanks so much, Lorry. Lydi**