In Her Eyes

For my mother who passed away this week due to complications from COVID 19.

In Her Eyes

With a look she could stop us

in our tracks for awhile,

showing the hint of a twinkle

when hiding a smile.

Green like the sea, 

commandeering honor and truth 

but sending waves of love

as she gazed at you.

In her eyes we were everything

she ever really wanted.

We knew she would be there

and be someone we could count on.

She attended each performance,

at games our biggest fan

and if anyone tried to hurt us

she would always take a stand.

But her eyes, big as saucers

which topped her tiny frame,

that once missed nothing

as she called out our names

were little use to her now

her vision was going

but our love for our mother

will forever keep growing.

Author's Note

This was one I had written before but made a few changes. I was able to see her one last time before the virus struck. I have no words for the emotional impact it made on all of us as it did so many other families.

Reviews

[Richard Knox]

Hello Dara,
I arrived on your page today after reading your review of Jacob Erin-Cilberto’s poem “Bar Flies and Spider Web Ice Cubes.” This, “In Her Eyes,” is the first of your poems I’ve read. I just chose it randomly, and found it to be sweet and loving and sad. But today, of all days, it has special significance for me. Today my sister and I are celebrating the birthday of our mother, who, though she passed away 32 years ago, is still very much in our hearts and memories. It sounds like our mom was very much like yours: strong, honorable, loyal, commanding, supportive, small in stature, and most of all, loving. But your lines, “In her eyes we were everything / she ever really wanted,” were especially poignant to me. That was true of our mom, too. Thank you for reminding me of that on this day.
Richard

[Dara]

I am truly delighted that you discovered my poem on such an important day. Thirty-two years may seem like a long time but it is clear you remember her as if it were yesterday. The love they gave stays with us forever. Thank you so much for sharing this with me!

[Aura]

Your mother was lucky to have given birth to such fond and loving kids, and you were lucky to have such a loving, caring, confident, and engaged mother in your lives. Covid-19 had made it difficult to see our loved ones... even for the last time, and can't imagine how that must have felt, especially since the restrictions for covid made it difficult for funeral processions to take place. But at least you have fond, cherished memories, those at least you can keep forever.

[Dara]

Thank you for your very kind words. She was a great mother and although we lost her not long ago, the memories really do make a difference. We were fortunate to have for so many years. Not everyone had that opportunity. I hope you stay safe and have a blessed weekend.

[Aura]

Thank you, it was my pleasure to read!

[Davidgeo]

This makes me think of an old platoon sergeant of mine. He wasn't quite as loving but the type of leadership he provided was similar. I loved that man. Everything I do now has something to do with him in one way or another. I might be far off in the meaning here but it means a lot to me that you made me think of him.

Good work.... excellent work actually. Outstanding.

[Dara]

Oh my! You have just made my day. I can see how you might relate this to your platoon sergeant :-) I didn’t go into the service but if I had my mother’s manner of bringing us up would have been a good starter for basic training. So nice of you to stop by. Hope you have a fabulous day!

[NotUsinganymore]

Very nice cute and beautiful poem. It was nice you had a loving mother, not everyone is gifted with a good mother.

[Dara]

Thank you. I do count myself as being one of the lucky ones. So nice if you to stop by. Take care!

[NotUsinganymore]

You are welcome.

[Susan 🦋]

What a blessing you had in such a loving mother. May those memories sustain until you meet again.

[Dara]

Thank you. I do like to think we will meet again and I was blessed to have such a wonderful mother.

[Crosby Idasa]

Such a good poem... “In her eyes we were everything she really wanted, we knew she would be there and be someone we could count on” I like the verse 2 of your writing, this shows trust in friendship

[Dara]

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my poem. Your words mean a lot to me. Take care!

[Betty Hermelee]

What a beautiful poem for your mother, who always cared for you, looked after you, protected you, all of this while losing her vision. My dad lost his vision slowly as he aged, and became completely blind the last 7-8 years of his life; what a terrible quality of life. I'm so sorry your mom dies of Covid...that is unforgivable in itself. Lovely write Dara, with much grace and thought.
Best, Betty

[Dara]

Thank you very much Betty. It is so hard to see our parents grow old and suffer. Often the roles are reversed and we end up taking care of them gladly. My mother did not suffer so that is something to be thankful for. I hope you continue to stay safe. Take care!

[Chris Shaw]

This is a beautiful poem dear Dana about your lovely mother and her green eyes and all she was to you and you to her. I am so sorry to learn of her passing. So many lost to covid complications now, including my own brother in law. Sending you comfort in your grief while it is at its most impactful and emotionally hurtful. Taje care.

Chris

[Dara]

Thank you Christine. The number of lives lost is just unbearable. I am so sorry about your brother-in-law. My mother was 93 but I am sure he was still in his prime. My heart goes out to you and your family. Please take care!

[Betty Hermelee]

What a lovely way to show love to your mother and she to you, and the pride between you and your mom
And she to you...and the way she she stood up for you always. It’s so sad to see someone you love die of a horrible virus...having lost her vision....my dad was blind the last 15 years of his life. Nicely written Dara and heartfelt.
Best, Betty

[Dara]

Many thanks Betty for your warm response. Fortunately my mom did not seem to suffer as much and went quietly in her sleep without being attached to any machines etc. My sister was able to be with her until the end because we didn’t know she even had the virus until she passed away. Please take care and stay safe. We are definitely in this for the long haul. :-(

[Betty Hermelee]

I think we are too; my friend’s mother died of Covid a month after she was discharged from the hospital; it got to her brain and she died quickly; so she in fact never really recovered; a real tragedy within virus. Stay well, best, Betty

[Dara]

The long lasting effects are just so tragic and how sad that she had been discharged. I am very sorry for your friend. We are grateful that my mother did not seem to suffer. Let’s pray that things will finally turn around this year.

[Betty Hermelee]

I think they’re finally turning around!!!

[Samuel Dickens]

One so loved leaves an empty spot in the world and many aching hearts behind. (This I know) Though there'll always be pain, I wish that the passage of time will at least make it a little better.

[Dara]

Thank you so much Sam. You said it beautifully. Time and loving memories will definitely help fill the void left behind. As always wonderful to see you here.