Gratitude

A breakthrough, what those moments can do for you.

So unexpected through the maze

and from the confines of her bed,

at last a pathway clears the haze.

Was it something that I said,

that made her stretch to touch my hand?

Her head leaned forward, not a word,

I heard her laughter as it broke.

Through all the smoke that fogs her mind,

the unkind battles she has fought.

I never thought once more I'd see,

my Mother's eyes smile back at me.

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This is so beautiful. I can see and understand it clearly. It hit home on a personal level too as I remember my own mother's days of rare lucidity when she could find her way through the fog. It's like watching a flower bloom right in front of your eyes. So touching. F.

[Chris Shaw]

When the fog clears, what a joy that can be. Thank you Fabian for your thoughts.

Chris

[Neville]

I just got another one of them shivers, so I did and can distinctly recall the first time these particular words spoke to me, opened my eyes and made me feel almost ashamed to smile at them knowingly ........ Neville x

[Chris Shaw]

Strange. I haven't read these words for a while. It was like reading them from a stranger's point of view. Perhaps that's why I became teary. Thank you Neville for your thoughts.

Chris

[Gee]

This even more poignant now Christine. Beautiful to read.
Hope you enjoyed the spring sunshine yesterday :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Gee for finding this older poem. Yes a treasured memory. We spent the day and night in the marina. Boating season has started, so yes enjoyed the sunshine. Have a great day.

Chris

[Gee]

You too. Have been charged with cremating meat this afternoon :))

[Chris Shaw]

Good luck with that :)

[Richard M]

Just beautiful Chris and lovely piece. I'm so glad you got to experience that moment. My thoughts are with you dear friend and your family.
Take Care
Richard

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Richard for your thoughts. So pleased you stopped by to visit today.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

This is heartwarming and beautifully
penned dear Chris; that moment in
time when lucid thoughts are felt
sorry to hear of your mother's passing
make me remember my mom's also
but we have those precious memories
to hold onto..lovely poem

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Fran for stopping by and for your condolences. So thoughtful of you. The memories take on a new meaning now, they become even more precious.

Chris

[William Michael Reeves]

This touched my memory on a lot of levels. The last days of life often come with an improvement in condition and to have that moment with those who we love is so important to our memories. And my friend who recently died. Her eyes were shut tight for a couple days and then flew wide open for the last ten minutes of her life and I felt I saw into her soul. Your poem really hit spots in my heart and brain like good poems do. Really intense Chris. Not sure if I should thank you or cry on you. Both I guess.

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry for your loss Bill. Interesting what you said about your friend's last ten minutes. That is exactly what happened to my mum. I arrived fifteen minutes after she died but my sis said she suddenly opened her eyes, which had been closed for days, looked over my sister's shoulder into the distance and smiled broadly as though she recognised someone. Then she was gone. I liked how she passed. The smile was comforting. Thanks for checking this one out. This is an older poem during a period of time when my mum was unresponsive to everyone and anything and had been for months. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[William Michael Reeves]

Wow! The shared experiences we all have. And brought to life, and death, in our poetry. Pretty intense really. Wow. 'Nuff said.

[Lisasview]

Oh my G.. This is exactly what happened with my mother..and of course I am crying...
Oh how I wish she were here to enjoy...
Wonderful, sweet poem dearest Chris..
Hugs,
Lisa

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lisa. Sorry for the tears. Bless you for stopping by.

Chris

[Lisasview]

Oh gosh, do not be sorry for my tears.. I always feel that if I read a poem that stirs something in me then it is a great poem. And, tears are such a great release..

[Patricia Wedel]

A Mothers Smile as her Eyes see you as a flower unfolding...
A Gift to cherish as you face all the tomorrows. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat. A gift indeed. A lovely memory to ponder on in the years ahead. Hope you and Roger are faring well across the waters and enjoying some spring sunshine. Have a great week-end.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Thanks Chris... our City has so many Cherry Blossom trees with pale Pink blossoms... even with the Rain on many days and nights... they just kept blooming. Perhaps a lesson in survival... to just keep blooming.
Roger still has dialysis three days a week. We have a Vascular Institute here in Fredericksburg, Virginia... that keeps the Fistula for dialysis healthy and functioning. After four years using his right arm... now they will place a new Fistula in his left arm.
The expertise is amazing... as every Patient is unique.
Enjoy Spring and the Songs on Wing. gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Your cherry blossom blessings sound amazing. Such a pretty time of year. Wishing the very best for both you and Roger always. In my thoughts you are and frequently.

Chris

[Tate Morgan]

I’m sure my own mother will go out one day saying that I need to iron my pants or something else frivolous. Vanity will follow her to the end. Be what you can to her while she’s here. There should be no regrets in the end

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tate. This is an old poem out for an airing. My mum has since died, but this moment remains a most beautiful memory. Thank you for stopping by to share your thoughts. Hope all is well with you and yours.

Chris

[Tate Morgan]

All is well thank you

[Chris Shaw]

Good to hear. Happy weekend to you.

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, Chris, this is heartbreaking. How I wish I could see my mother's smiling green eyes and hear her laughter once more. This moment is a treasure for you...and for her too. Beautifully written. Lydi***

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Lydi**. A treasured memory for me for sure. Not something I will ever forget. Pleased I poemed it :)

Chris

[Cassie]

Helllo Chris, nice to read this

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Cassie. All the best.

Chris