Execution

Mothers throughout time have had to witness the execution of their sons, whether they be criminals or political martyrs. The suffering is the same. Helpless witness, Mary comforts as best she can.

Can you hear me?

Don’t look at them

Look at me

 

See, my son?

I’m here with you,

Right here with you

 

We walk this path together

And bear the cross together

Your shoulders, my heart…Together.

 

Can you hear me?

Don’t look at them

They only make it worse.

 

Get up my son

Steady, steady,

You(we) can(will) rise

 

Look, Simon is here!

You can make it now

We will make it now

 

Can you hear me?

We are here

I’m right here with you

 

My son, it’s nearly over

Eyes only on me now,

Only me.

 

I love you so much, my child

Together we are pierced

Your body, my heart…

 

Can you hear me?

Close your eyes

And rest, my sweetness,

It is finished

Author's Note

This is dedicated to all mothers, fathers of convicted children. Justified or not, the pain of losing a child to execution is the same.

Reviews

[steppenwolf]

Mary: I was almost afraid to read this one but I did and I'm happy I did. Just to imagine this takes a lot of courage. I have a son who has faced death many times--he's a part of the United Nations' Peacekeeping Forces--and believe me, I've spent a good amount of the time he's away praying to God to keep him safe. Thank you for writing this. You are accomplishing a lot by going where these poems lead you and telling us about it.

Steppenwolf.

[Mary]

First let me say blessings and thank you to your son who risks his life every day to keep the Peace. Thank you also for your kind review. I have always believed that the person of Mary represents a kind of "everywoman" and there is much we can learn from this very very strong woman.

[Stacey Watts]

There are two sides to every story and you just proved that here. Everyone has a mother and I am sure so many tears have been shed over children who have lost their way or have been victimized by someone else's hand. We worry over our children and love our children, no matter what. This was penned beautifully. You made me think.

[Patrick Henry]

Tough poem to read, right after hearing what happened today in Connecticut at that Preschool where those poor little souls of like 5-9 years old "20 of them" were stolen away in a heartbeat at the hands of an assassin. Tough tough poem to soak up!! Good poem to read though..... xoxo -Mark

[Mary]

Thanks Pierced, for your kind review. My heart breaks today. My children are grown and healthy, but I mourn for those who will never have the memories of their children graduating school, going to prom, getting into mischief. I cry for the children who have been left motherless and fatherless. I cry for all the survivors. Honestly, I can't get a handle on this.

[Patrick Henry]

My heart goes out to your heart that ALSO feels such pain!! I will not compete, and don't expect your answers to either, but playing this Round-Robin of the "whys" and WTF's" are immeasurable in the sense that human dignity is so easily washed away when sadistic carbon hosts pervert their hate and destroy us all within their temporary fits of madness!! Most schools in my OWN city are "protected" by the use of ringing the doorbell to enter the school. lol What?!! I have written a few poems that touch on this subject of loss, war, children going missing.... and I don't even want to visit those poems to edit or otherwise today. xoxo -Mark

[Cathy Wattam]

A sad and poignant read. Any parent could not fail to be moved by this poem. An expressive write that brings home the message well.

[Mary]

thank you Cathy

[Ahmad Cox]

Wow. Very poignant and strong imagery and message. I really appreciated this poem.

[Mary]

thank you.

[Jo March]

Absolutely beautiful, I can feel the pain through your writing, to know how Mary must have felt.

[Mary]

thank you.

[Marie Anzalone]

Can only wonder what it would be like to witness the crucifixion- literal or otherwise- of a loved one; let alone the helplessness when it is your child. I imagine every mother who ever lost a child to murder or painful illness shares part of Mother Mary's pain. Luckily, her heart was big enough to face what came, and by that, she helps others, even today.

[Mary]

Thanks, Marie, too many mothers lose their sons to such insane brutality, even today. Thay's why this poem is dedicated to all mothers of children who have been condemned(guilty or innocent)

[SHEEMA HUQ]

a fine poem here Mary

[Mary]

Thank you

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this one tore me up inside and out.

jacob

[Michael G.]

This is an exceptional write. I can't say enough to give this the justice it deserves. I began the poem listening to her; but, I quickly realized I was hearing her thoughts... her pleas.
Well done.