I Love You More

There she lies with a smile on her tired face
eyes closed taut to extinguish the sunlight.
Occasionally she would peep just to touch base
to say a few words then continue her fight.

Summer was ending as momma’s time was too
each day was a struggle to take one more breath.
Angels were calling as family tensions grew
it was so tormenting waiting for her death.

A day was spent talking to deceased loved ones
venting all of her anger on ones who hurt her.
Shocking revelation eventually stuns
as shallow exhausted mind starts to transfer.

Daily said I love you, it could be her last
but she would always reply, I love you more.
I persistently announced she was a blast
and that I never thought her to be a bore.

On the eve of her death I could feel it near
her breaths became short, sketchy, and weak.
Living without her, I felt tremendous fear
as I lowered to kiss her frail-soft-creased cheek.

I ran my fingers through wavy gray hair
and held her face in my trembling small hand.
Releasing her was more than I could bear
the lump in my throat started to expand.

Tears exploded all over my burning cheek
never had I cried this much before.
I was so overwhelmed I could not speak
except for the words, I love you more….

Copyright © 2010  By Caryl S. Muzzey

Seventh Place Winner ~ "Last words to a loved one” Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Gareth James
Jan. 31, 2011
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Joshua Avatar
July 30, 2017 at 8:03 AM
To loose someone so dear is like a fire Set in the bowel next to ones tower. So touching
Muzzey Avatar
July 30, 2017 at 10:37 AM
Thank you Adeyemi for stopping by~ Caryl
Brown Avatar
January 14, 2011 at 4:25 AM
Congratulations on your win in Gareth James's contest "Last Words To A Loved One" Caryl. Love, Carol
Haick Avatar
January 12, 2011 at 1:05 PM
Congratulations on your fantastic win in Gareth's Contest, Caryl! Always, Annalise
Sweetheart Avatar
January 11, 2011 at 5:56 PM
Congrats Caryl on your wonderful win in Gareth's contest with this tender and moving entry .. enjoy another top ten victory and success my friend with luv..
Mehta Avatar
January 11, 2011 at 4:48 PM
Con gratulations on the well deserved win in the contest, Caryl
Devonshire Avatar
January 11, 2011 at 4:20 PM
And those were all the words her spirit needed to hear, Caryl. Very moving poem and so well written. Congratulations on your win in Gareth's contest. Love, Carolyn
Guzzi Avatar
January 2, 2011 at 5:07 PM
Breath taking, losing a Mom is no small thing. Light & Love
Sweetheart Avatar
December 30, 2010 at 7:27 PM
Amazingly beautiful write Caryl and good luck in Gareth's contest my friend.. every verse is tender and emotional luv... my entry is "Comfort Zone"..hope u will enjoy with luv..
Devonshire Avatar
December 30, 2010 at 12:26 PM
Oh, Caryl, you had me in tears reading this. I can't imagine the pain of watching your mother died. Mine died suddenly and I wasn't present. But so many of the thoughts you express here went through my mind during the time my father was in a coma for several days before we had to disconnect the respirator. Thanks for your kind comments, but my poem can't compare to yours. So sorry you went through this, dear. Still crying. Love, Carolyn
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