Mom, I Saw Your Face Today

Mom, I saw your face today,
looking down on me.
From your picture frame,
you had just turned sweet sixteen.

Even with that smile,
which always reminds me
of your baby girl,
our sister kristi Lee.

I could see that you were sad.
It was there in your eyes.
Your smile failed to reach,
eyes, blue as the sky.

I wish I had been there,
to be your best friend.
We could have talked for hours,
laughed away our cares.

I'm not speaking of,
just when you were in your teens.
But, when I was at home,
is what I really mean.

I know I can't go back
and fix my past mistakes.
But, I wish I could,
for, both our sakes.

Each time we hugged goodbye
and I was off to school,
your eyes smiled at me.
Why is life so cruel?

To make the Angels suffer,
to earn their wings.
Cancer stole your breath.
Yet, your soul did sing.

There's loneliness in me without you.
But, memories of us remain.
At least I can talk to you,
in your antique silver frame.

Now as I look again,
I see the mischievous way,
your eyes enhance your smile.
Mom, I saw your face today.


Entered into John Heck's contest:  
"Blink"
Placement: 9th
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Jennings Avatar
October 26, 2010 at 4:38 PM
My Mother died of cancer when one month after my 18th birthday seven years ago. It feels like yesterday. I relate closely to the lonliness and wish for the ability to fix past mistakes and become friends with the girl you never knew.
Freeman Avatar
October 15, 2010 at 5:50 PM
Congratulations Paula, on your most worthy poem's place in the top ten. Agape, Moses
Kendrick Avatar
October 14, 2010 at 4:36 PM
Congratulations on your win..Sara
Mehta Avatar
October 5, 2010 at 12:04 PM
Congratulations on this well desrved win, Paula
Guzzi Avatar
October 4, 2010 at 5:15 PM
touching, cleansing, loving.......congrad's Light & Love
Brown Avatar
October 4, 2010 at 4:29 AM
Congratulations on your win Paula in John Heck's contest "Blink". Love, Carol
Mannan Avatar
October 3, 2010 at 9:51 PM
You brought tears to my eyes Paula. I have been cursing myself like you after my grandma's death to whom I was very close. A smahing poem. Many congratulations.
Johnson Avatar
October 3, 2010 at 3:04 PM
This is lovely and lonely sounding. No wonder you won. congratulations Paula. Love, Joyce
Richards Avatar
October 3, 2010 at 2:38 PM
I can identify so much with this poem, Paula...I would give anything to have the chance to talk to my own mother again...and let her know all these things you spoke of so tenderly in your poem. ~
Devonshire Avatar
September 23, 2010 at 1:20 PM
Paula, Thank you for your prayers for John Loving. The sadness he is feeling must be overwhelming now. He wanted his relationship with April to grow and lead to a future together. God bless you for your thoughtfulness. It is hard to stop thinking about John's loss today. He is such a sweet man. Love, Carolyn
Mehta Avatar
September 22, 2010 at 5:45 AM
Very emotional write with fine feelings of your mom, Paula
Marcum Wong Avatar
September 22, 2010 at 12:49 AM
Paula, When I got to the end of your poem I had tears in my eyes. Your last stanza conveys a flood of memories, that seeing her image again, you are blessed with. A really beautiful, touching poem for the contest. I am sure it will do well. Blessings, Connie
Sweetheart Avatar
September 21, 2010 at 9:16 PM
Simply touching and so very beautiful Paula.. Mom's are so special and u have made this write extra special..good luck in John's contest.. my friend..with luv..
Devonshire Avatar
September 21, 2010 at 7:55 PM
Paula, my mother suffered from bouts of severe depression. Even when she was surrounded by her family, she was sad. I don't think there is anything more we could have done to help her. She died young and had the same sad, blue eyes your mom had. Beautiful poem! Best wishes in John's contest. Love, Carolyn
Locksley Avatar
September 21, 2010 at 7:35 PM
Oh Paula, I wish I had spent more time bringing happiness to my mother's life as well. This would make a great entry for the "Journey into the Past" contest as well as the "Blink" contest. I was deeply moved.
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