Tangle Teaser

(written after visiting my Mum, who now receives 24 hour nursing care), and yes I frequently comb her hair

I wonder Mum, if you recall

that game we played when I was young?

Those times I'd seat you in a chair

to ask you how you'd like your hair.

On tip-toe I would section strands,

tease out the tangles, ease the knots,

then twist your dampened wavy locks

round rollers with my fumbling hands.

A mirror glance and you would smile,

how patiently you'd play along.

A pleasing nod, you'd turn to say,

"I rather like this back-combed style".

And then I'd try with steady hand

to paint the colour on your lips,

apply mascara with a wand,

all treasures from your bag of tricks.

Where do the passing years all go

for you and I are now steel grey?

My mother and my loving friend,

but when I saw you yesterday,

the infant child cried out in me.

I had a yen to start again.

to stand there with my brush and comb

and tease the tangles from your hair.

Reviews

[¿]

It's smooth touchy to heart Chris...,my mother if ever falls sick..I so hope she never sees me crying on the memories of playing with her at active times...that'd make her the most sad!
But I love to show her the smile when she gets well...I so hope for the wellness of your mom dear! You're going to have more tangle teasing of your mother and playfulness with her - Ameen😊

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tahsin. The adult in me smiled, but the inner child silently cried.It is difficult seeing the decline in health of your parents. It's my turn now to make sure she gets plenty of good care. Thank you so much for your lovely response.

Chris

[¿]

Twas all my good read from you...stay and keep well...and welcome😊

[Chris Shaw]

And you are always welcome here :))

[Ranger Kessel]

This is awesome. It brought me back to childhood in a different way though. My sister used to love to play with my hair for hours when I was young, even with a curling iron.
My mother with the can of aqua net. This is well written as well. I am so happy I stopped by to read. Thank you for posting.

[Chris Shaw]

I am happy to know that you could relate to this poem. I too am pleased you stopped by.

read moreI am happy to know that you could relate to this poem. I too am pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Ranger Kessel]

My pleasure.

[Moonie]

I am at a loss of words here. This is so heartwarming and touching. The poem makes me smile, and remember all those times when i did the same with my mother. This is just so bitter sweet. One of best poems that I've read on WC!

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely thing to say. Pleased you could relate to my words :)

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Deeply touching and poignantly charming.
You're a loving daughter, Chris, who knows enough to tend to a living treasure.

[KCthelastboyscout]

A very touching story that goes straight to the heart.i think sometimes when we watch our parents get older we realize we are getting older with them.one day your parents turn into your grandparents age and you are turning into your parents age.then someday your children will.look at you with a tender gaze.Just like you they will think "You're so old now" it's the natural circle of life that never ends.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right. When I look at my Mum now, I am ever conscious of the fact that I too am getting older. Thank you so much for your response.

[KCthelastboyscout]

I am sure there are are famous songs about what you are writing about.i just can't think of any right now

[Chris Shaw]

Probably are. We are talking about universal themes here.

[Onlyme]

Chris, this made me cry, tears of heartfelt, so sincere, passionate, undying love from a daughter to her mother. So touching, so beautiful. That you for sharing your awesome poem with us all. Bless you and your mum. hugs Dee

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dee. I feel sure that many will be able to relate to this poem.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Chris, your beautifully touching poem reminds me so much of my mother. “Tangle Teaser”- Combing her curly sweet hair when she had Alzheimer’s- we had silly and wonderful talks then. Always “mommy”- I miss her so much.-“the infant child cried out in me”-exactly and heart-breakingly so. It still does. Eloquent, honest, deeply moving. Thank you from my heart for the priceless memory my friend.

[Chris Shaw]

From your response Annette, I can feel how much you related to this poem, and how special those moments can be that we share with a parent in their latter years. When you see a parent, vulnerable and sick, where there was once energy and strength, that inner child can't help but cry out.

Thank you so much your response, very much appreciated.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Xo:))..........

[matelotrod]

I love this type of poetry Chris, although I am male I still remember trying to comb Mum's out of control hair. She was never a beauty conscious woman so I think I was more a massager than a hairdresser. I also like the way you fill your verses, (stanza's) with so many lines. Well written and enjoyed by many, keep them coming Rod.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you enjoy what I write Rod. Combing hair or massaging the head, can be really relaxing for someone. It's something nice to do to show you care. My mum loves it.

Chris

[matelotrod]

You don't often need to do it for Dads as most are bald. Not me off course!

[Chris Shaw]

Smiling with you Rod :))

[Beccy]

Just so heart warming and touching. The love pulses through every line of this quite beautiful poem.
My parents are now in their early seventies, still vibrant thank our Lord, but I know the time will come and I pray I will have the strength you so clearly show.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your lovely response Beccy. My mum is in her mid eighties. Hopefully your parents have some more time on their hands. When and if it comes you will find the strength to deal with it.

Chris

[KeeD]

So beautiful, it made me smile and all teary eyed. I love my mother, she is my everything and more. I can feel the love and relationship you have with your mother and I know for a time is something inevitable but the love you two share is eternal, it transcends time. Beautiful write, it's a very noble and wonderful thing to brush your mother's hair, you're a good daughter.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kee for your very warm response. Lovely to see you here. Take care.

Chris