Dear Mama

dear Mama, have you found that other side where loved ones, hope and heaven all reside? oh do you stroll, Dad’s hand lost deep in yours and breathe the splendid air, that kingdom’s shores? dear Mama are you dancing with your knight in sturdy armor, that you shined so bright? oh do you paint new landscapes of that realm and sail those azure seas, Dad at the helm? dear Mama are you singing bright and clear and sharing anecdotes to charm or cheer? oh are you with your dear ones who have passed? so many went before you, gone too fast. dear Mama, do you know how much I miss our talks and nature walks, your loving kiss? oh do you yearn our sweet connection, rare that even without words, was always there? dear Mama do you know the hole that now I have to heal within my heart somehow? oh what’s this man to do, his mama gone but for her sake, find ways to carry on? dear Mama I will spread your love for life the grace and care you gave as mom and wife I’ll do my best to share my heart, like you your smile deep inside, to get me through dear Mama, death has taken such a toll still, I’ve one hope, eternal, for my soul that someday when my body sets it free dear Mama’s open arms … will wait for me. Copyright © Gregory Richard Barden, September 18, 2023 ( photo taken on Sebago Lake, Raymond, ME, June 28, 1962 )