Notes About The Poem
Dedicated to my Mother, Shirley Faye Hundley.

Birthday Wishes

Birthday Wishes: Horatian Ode

Sweet sixteen with no happy birthday cake.
Oh, Mother, you're missed but I am bitter.
How many hundreds did your calloused hands make?
So steady, so sure, why do they quiver?
A Mother who has no thought for herself, 
A daughter too immature to think to help. 
A lovely, womanly form, but only Momma to me..
Oh Momma, she has your eyes so you can watch over me. 

Abducted suddenly from youth, captive in haggardly age, 
Your battle with scalpels left their jagged marks…
Just as your ancestral Natives wore paint when war raged,
It was your way to push back at the dark. 
If time were a river, I'd gladly jump right in…
To dark, freezing waters, no matter, I'd swim…
To try to give back a portion of your goodness and light, 
Stand with my back to yours and together we'd fight.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Ashley Avatar
July 8, 2024 at 9:07 AM
Dear Crystol, soulful, poetess, I am deeply moved by the beauty, depth and poignancy of your dedication to your mother. I understand the yearning expressed with such purity "If time were a river, I'd gladly jump right in…/To dark, freezing waters, no matter, I'd swim…/To try to give back a portion of your goodness and light,/ Stand with my back to yours and together we'd fight." A potent finale to a rich, emotive and evocative poem. Superb, soul-baring poetry my sweet friend. Congratulations for your win in Craig's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Woods Avatar
July 9, 2024 at 12:57 AM
Hi there Susan! So Good of you to drop in! Your lovely congratulations are warmly and humbly accepted! Thank you for reading my poem and leaving such a detailed and sweet comment. Xoxo
Parker Avatar
July 6, 2024 at 7:19 AM
Congratulations on your win...an emotionally powerful poem
Woods Avatar
July 6, 2024 at 10:57 AM
What a great compliment, thank you! Xo
Mcintosh Avatar
July 5, 2024 at 10:46 PM
Oh so amazing. I love this. Congrats and God bless you, love, Gina
Woods Avatar
July 6, 2024 at 10:56 AM
Gina, I appreciate the encouragement always! Ty! Xo
mysore Avatar
July 5, 2024 at 7:02 PM
a difficult form of poetry done so effortlessly. emotional it is. Congratulations on your win dear poet. Happy writing.
Woods Avatar
July 6, 2024 at 10:55 AM
The happiest! Ty for stopping in and saying so! Xo
Crandall Avatar
July 5, 2024 at 5:16 PM
Nice tribute Crystol, "If time were a river, I'd gladly jump right in"!
Woods Avatar
July 5, 2024 at 5:31 PM
Thanks David! Xo
One Avatar
June 14, 2024 at 1:31 PM
Hey Crystol.. Your poem is a touching tribute to a mother’s sacrifices and the daughter’s longing to repay her. It captures the essence of familial love and the deep emotional bonds that persist beyond physical presence. The poem’s imagery and emotional resonance make it a compelling and memorable piece...
Woods Avatar
June 17, 2024 at 11:10 PM
Appreciate the review and commentary! You always make my writing sound so much better! ;)<3 tysm!xo
Dietrich Avatar
June 13, 2024 at 1:19 PM
A lovely tribute, Crystol. I especially liked this metaphor: If time were a river, I'd gladly jump right in… To dark, freezing waters, no matter, I'd swim
Woods Avatar
June 13, 2024 at 6:45 PM
Thanks Andrea! Your lovely!
Diderot Avatar
June 13, 2024 at 1:55 AM
I have read all your poems now. This one, the most intriguing, to me. "Oh Momma, she has your eyes so you can watch over me." Strong, elusive write.
Diderot Avatar
June 13, 2024 at 9:24 AM
:).
Woods Avatar
June 13, 2024 at 9:11 AM
Well hello! You read them all!?! I feel so honored! Thank you. I hope something I've written will connect with others and you've given that hope wings. I will have to get to know you in return and visit your poetry page! Xoxo
M  Avatar
June 12, 2024 at 7:56 PM
Wow Crystol what a powerful tender poem! It made me feel quite sad for you and your mum. Beautifully written! Debx
Woods Avatar
July 5, 2024 at 5:32 PM
Sorry Deb... don't know how I missed this comment! I appreciate it so much! Xo
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