Mother

Mother

 

 

so many years after umbilical longing

cured fevers,

disappointed looks,

and fervid smiles

 

she is cold now 

in ashed resplendence 

but not with frosted gaze at me

 

there is a sort of celestial

repose

in her deliberation...

 

 

 

erin-cilberto

2/19/19

Reviews

[.]

Mother... Mother... The umbilical longing.... I feel a numbness within my heart...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Dreamer.
j.

[mariposa]

I love the words you used in this poem, it really expresses your perspective.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, mariposa,
j.

[barleygirl]

"Umbilical longing" (brilliant word crafting) describes how much I was "taken in" by my mom's way of controlling/manipulating people. I used to say "mother" in a longing way, when life went s****y, as if I were invoking her in my time of need. The other day I said "mother" and realized there is no emotion in the word for me at all. (This happened years before she died two months ago). Your poem is a chilling depiction of how I feel about "mother" (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Margie...you relate...my mother did her best in her way...she loved how she could...
read morethank you, Margie...you relate...my mother did her best in her way...she loved how she could...
j.

[MomzillaNC]

This caused some pangs…

You know some of my history and my mother's place in it. We never stop wanting the approval and validation of the people who raised us. Mother passed last October. My greatest regret and, at the same time, deepest relief is that it when she knew the end was near she validated my experience and apologized. I'm glad she didn't pass with that between us. But, a lifetime without it still leaves me pining for the mother she wore as a mask for the world.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

sometimes we just hope for a reckoning to even the slate...and sometimes maybe we expect too much from them...maybe i did...i appreciate your relating and sharing here, Momz..
j.

[MomzillaNC]

👍🏻 😎

[Carol Cashes]

"she is cold now
in ashed resplendence
but not with frosted gaze at me"

Brrrr! My own mother was quick to judge my life/decisions/food choices and very slow (usually none) with praise or approval.

However, in death, she has told me numerous and in many ways that she considered me a competent, intelligent adult as I am sole heir and executrix of her estate with more than a few rather "sensitive" final wishes and directives. Vindication doesn't always come when you think you need it....

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, we get validation, finally....but all those years without it...i appreciate you sharing here, Carol..understanding.
j.

[john l smith]

my mother departed in an unpleasant manner, but although she was technically still my mother, that is not the mother I remember

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for sharing how you related, john...sorry it brought you back to a bad place..
j.

[Beccy]

The bond is unbreakable; time no more than an abstract concept as far as mother and child are concerned. It is the great glue that binds our civilisation, and you have to believe it does not end simply because the physical presence has journeyed to the next level.

This is a poem that touches deeply; and I am minded of the longing in my father's eyes when on occasion, (not terribly often,) he talks to my sister and I about his mother.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wow, yes, it does not end, ever..thank you so much for your words, Beccy,
j.

[Paul Bell]

You do something outrageous, and then the voice comes through.
That wasn't very smart, was it.
Stop looking down on me, I'm an adult.
Not from where I'm looking.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i can hear saying exactly that...
yep..
thank you, Paul for reminding me of her voice...
j.

[kitty]

Though many an umbilical cords are cut the mother holds that special place in the memory book of life. The nurturing: the joy the tears. Beautiful, meaningful piece Jacob. Thank you for sharing.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Kitty, appreciate your words,
j.

[kitty]

My pleasure!

[Coyote Poetry]

Us, who love to write. Keep memories and faces alive. Your poem accomplished this Jacob. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we cannot forget those we love...hopefully the words will etch them forever in our hearts.
thanks, Coyote,
j.

[Coyote Poetry]

I believe the words are and you are welcome Jacob.