Mama's Boy

Take from it what you will...

For the sake of sanity and to use the rest of the sugar

Stick your finger in my mouth gently and swirl

And sigh with desire like I am a poorly frosted cupcake

Kiss me with melted chocolate lined lips, sliding

 

From the corner of her eye

I can see that I'm the one

Mommy's dearest little guy

Oedipus baking in the sun

 

In training is how you put it, I'll get there, eventually

And you dress me in yellow velvet pants and send me to school

I had to run so fast to escape the humiliation of the other boys

But when cornered, Jesus, Merle Haggard would have sung about it

 

Growing up I paint the sky

My life's journey never done

Soaking in your every lie

Waking scared and on the run

 

You lie in repose in a casket lined with half-truths and justifications

They make you look beautiful, glowing in your matronly charm

You gave me this cross-stitch existence and I have made it my own

Your stamp of approval not quite enough postage to get me there

 

I live brightly as you die

Your judgments weigh a metric ton

Your friends they breathe a heavy sigh

They say I am his mother’s son

 

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Wow Crowley, that last stanza is full of impact. There is such sadness there. I never had a son, so I will never be sure for myself the closeness that a mother has for her boy or for the influence she has on his living. These lines really made me stop and think about how I would have been if I'd had a son.

Chris

[Crowley]

They do, regardless of time or distance. Mine is pretty amazing. Reminds me I need to call her...lol. Thanks!

[Kelly Scheppers]

It amazes me the way you conjure up such subject matter, leaving your reader with the realization that they have just read something quite extraordinary. The contrast of different fonts gave it much appeal, so bravo on that. I felt the impact of your fifth stanza, the "half truths and justifications", the "stamp of approval not being enough". The weight of your words comes crashing in that last line, though...another bravo, my friend!

[Crowley]

Thanks Kelly, not sure shere the subject matter comes from, many think its something that you are going through but in my case its usually a fleeting thought that I manage to grab by a corner and try to hold on and round it out into something halfway coherent. Thanks for the lovely review!!!

[Kelly Scheppers]

You're so very welcomed. Good to have you back!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I used to teach Oedipus Rex in my lit class...I like the poem within the poem that references his plight.
Yes, mothers do make us do and wear things that can feel embarrassing...and we cringe when we are kids...later we might thank them...makes us stronger...and Mothers really care, only try to cross-stitch our existence to hold us together.
this is so good....and the sadness at the end is uplifted by the thought that she will live on through him.
j.

[Crowley]

Four reviews in one day may be a record...lol. Well except for Q, you know she goes review crazy sometimes. That bond is a sacred one if any are I think, and with all the pitfalls and molding, I think they always do care. thanks Jacob. I would have liked to sit in on your lit class.

[Cherrie Palmer]

...Your stamp of approval not quite enough postage to get me there...
Great line for a heart felt poem of love about a mother's son.

[Crowley]

We all have to come up with the rest, regardless of how well we are taken care of. Thanks Cherrie, appreciate the reviews!!

[Cherrie Palmer]

Pain and regret can take the shine off of love butvthe heart of child has a hard time letting it go.