Daughter

Above all else
A daughter 
wants to be seen……by her mother

There are small big things
That are said
That are done
Those disapproving glances
Tiny big criticisms
The imperceptible monumental moments
The shame that accompanies disappointment
The knowing she can’t meet expectations 
Still she desperately tries
All the while
a part of her rebels 
needing to find herself
She needs to see herself
even when she feels unseen

Above all else
A mother
wants the best…..for her daughter

She sacrifices 
EVERYTHING 
Including herself
Sometimes even the relationship 
Dreams are powerful destructive things
They are forces of nature
not easily wielded 
Pushing pulling
Forks in the road
Doors to open
Potential to achieve
Pitfalls to avoid

Mothers want the best
They stand as guardians
of both the past and the future
Those things they have lost
Those things they hope for
They sometimes miss the present
They cannot see the paper cut wounds they inflict 

Mothers
Daughters
Above all 
they know each other 
In the end they have a way of seeing
Children of children
Hope from hope
Do overs
Softened voices
Glimpses 
Stories told around dinner tables
Laughter 
Tears
Anger and joy
The act of seeing and being seen,
it takes several lifetimes being joined together.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Kingston Avatar
June 5, 2024 at 12:13 PM
This is so endearing Richard. I have a daughter named Hope who works far away after graduating from college last year. There are so many things in your poem that apply to us together, positive and negative. " Pushing pulling, forks in the road..." I think I'll call her tonight after reading your work and share it. It will make us both feel good. I found it to be touching, beautiful and relavant.
Smith Avatar
January 19, 2024 at 8:19 PM
:)
Zahid Avatar
January 17, 2024 at 5:05 AM
Indeed a beautiful poem. Enjoy reading it. Blessings
Lamoureux Avatar
January 17, 2024 at 6:32 AM
Blessings to you as well.
Volumes Avatar
January 11, 2024 at 11:10 AM
Another poem with such truth it unleashed forgotten memories Richard. The trials and tribulations of living with a teenage daughter. Then all a sudden there is this wonderful young woman, amicable thoughtful and precious. A metamorphosis ! Your poem is superb.
Lamoureux Avatar
January 11, 2024 at 11:32 AM
Much appreciated. Parents become smarter with each birthday we achieve. Especially after we have kids of our own.
Baker Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 7:31 PM
Very creative poetry, Rick, the mother-daughter relationship is a very special one. Your poem painted a true picture of the relationship of most mothers and their daughters. Happy New Year! Have a great 2024, my friend! Bill
Lamoureux Avatar
January 5, 2024 at 2:41 AM
Thanks Bill. I appreciate the visit.
Situation Avatar
January 2, 2024 at 6:16 PM
I know this piece so well in real life. You say it all here.
Lamoureux Avatar
January 2, 2024 at 6:35 PM
Thanks for your visit,
Proxenos Avatar
December 30, 2023 at 12:33 PM
Hi Richard, a Mother daughter relationship is strong and the bond is steeped in past, present and future beliefs, traditions both transparent and upheld. There are no secrets between them, or betrayal only trust, love, loyalty and a passion for the awesome relationship which will last for eternity, far beyond this world. Breathtaking poetry.Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
Lamoureux Avatar
January 1, 2024 at 7:06 AM
Much appreciated Jennifer. Blessings to you.
Poet Avatar
December 29, 2023 at 9:40 AM
Wow, Richard! Your poem is amazing! It tells a special story about how moms and daughters have a really strong connection and love each other a lot. It shows how happy they are when they are together. Have a happy New Year in 2024, my friend!
Lamoureux Avatar
December 29, 2023 at 12:34 PM
Thanks Sotto I appreciate the visit.
Rodgers Avatar
December 28, 2023 at 8:21 PM
Your poem is a beautiful tribute to the bond between mothers and daughters, and the importance of seeing and being seen. It is a reminder that even in the midst of struggles and conflicts, there is hope for healing and reconciliation. I have three daughters and now three granddaughters. Love them dearly!
Lamoureux Avatar
December 29, 2023 at 7:10 AM
Thanks Daniel, you are blessed to have 3 daughters and 3 grand daughters. I’m sure you have some great stories. Blessings Richard.
Ball Avatar
December 28, 2023 at 7:15 AM
Richard you hit the nail squarely on the head with this most insightful piece. Especially in the 4th and 5th stanzas. This is a fave for me. God Bless, JB
Lamoureux Avatar
December 28, 2023 at 1:43 PM
Thanks Judy. Happy New Year.
Empress Avatar
December 27, 2023 at 10:18 PM
Brilliant write as always richard, you’ve dived into the deep aspects of a mother Daughter relationship that at the end of the day is based on unconditional love. While it is nice to read about such relationships. As mothers often selflessly sacrifice for their children, most of my friends do not know or have never felt this love from their mother. Its sad .. which makes me think… maybe some need to give birth when they are mentally ready.however, as a mother, i resonate. ending is soul warming,
Lamoureux Avatar
December 28, 2023 at 4:52 AM
Sorry to hear that. Thanks for this thoughtful response.
George Avatar
December 27, 2023 at 9:10 PM
You know so intimate about the relationship between a daughter and mother. It is a relationship of petty quarrels, divulging of secrets, of joy and tears. Inadvertently mothers inflict pain on the daughter to see her faring as the best one possible, making the daughter rebel. Yet there is a deep bond inalienable running between them which they alone can understand. Beautifully written with deep insight, Richard
Lamoureux Avatar
December 27, 2023 at 9:34 PM
What a wonderful response. Thanks for these words. Blessings Richard.
One Avatar
December 27, 2023 at 11:52 AM
This is something many mothers and daughters would agree upon, but some who would not, I guess.. For me mothers are the most precious people in the world and I am a son.. You wrote this one really well..
Lamoureux Avatar
December 27, 2023 at 2:53 PM
Thanks my friend. Sometimes having kids brings relationships into perspective.
Dietrich Avatar
December 27, 2023 at 9:53 AM
A deep look at mothers and daughters . Most do ok in the end. But some mother daughter relationships are major catastrophes. I am glad to be one of the good ones. But I envy girls who have awesome relationships with their dad.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 27, 2023 at 2:54 PM
I’m glad yours is a good one Andrea.
Kendrick Avatar
December 27, 2023 at 7:24 AM
Yes, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and daughters and fathers and sons and mothers all butt heads from time to time, however, most work out okay with some exceptions. thanks for sharing this one with us and for dropping by my page. Sara K
Lamoureux Avatar
December 27, 2023 at 2:55 PM
Well expressed Sara. It as my pleasure to drop by.
Greenhough Avatar
December 26, 2023 at 3:52 PM
Yes, Daughters are wonderful but not always in agreement. The thing I've enjoyed most in my daughter is seeing her growing up to be her own person. She is unique. Thank you for this poem.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 26, 2023 at 4:11 PM
Much appreciated. Thanks for the visit.
Pandit Avatar
December 26, 2023 at 11:52 AM
Mothers have a special bond with daughters, as you so eloquently described, Richard. Your poem speaks of a loving family--growing together--cherishing life! Heartfelt poem!
Lamoureux Avatar
December 26, 2023 at 11:54 AM
Thanks Vijay. A belated Merry Christmas.
Sharma  Avatar
December 26, 2023 at 9:37 AM
Oh my, this is such a heartfelt, deep,evocative and soul stirring poem!Every word resonates with my heart's core as you've so vividly described the bond between a mother and her daughter, both in their own journey of finding their unique essence & identities.Yet,tied with a profound connection.I can feel the emotions here as each of them,wishes to be 'seen',understood and accepted.This piece is a fav for me, quite emotional, as I've the strongest bond with my mum and these feelings here palpable
Lamoureux Avatar
December 26, 2023 at 11:42 AM
If this is the only response I receive, it will have been worthwhile writing my poem. Blessings Richard.
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