Jean Murray Poet Free verse

Mother In Law

My mother in law has died and was buried today.
Although apart from her son this past ten years,
she and I continued to maintain our loving relationship.

Never judgmental and kind to her core,
we shared many happy outings in her final years.
Christmas concerts, cinema dates and butterfly gardens.

Her son and I had not spoken since our acrimonious split.
But this summer, she talked of my joining their Xmas table.
I said I would, knowing in my heart she could not last until then.

Sleepless last night, she came to me unknowing, in spirit.
How else can I explain the change in my heart?
Before the service, I sympathised, forgave and asked for forgiveness.

In the presence of our eldest child, he and I embraced once again.
Her love inspiring me from the afterlife to forgive at last.
Renewed in faith for a hopeful future, I am free of past hurts.

Her parting gift to me.



23/10/2019
For contest
Writing Challenge 2, November - A Poem Meaningful

Sponsor, Dear Heart - Wisshkobi Ode

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Constance La France November 20, 2019 at 3:46 PM Jean congratulations on your win in my writing challenge with this wonderful sad poem ! Jean Murray November 20, 2019 at 5:24 PM Thank you for the placement. This one came from deep within.

Jan Allison November 10, 2019 at 4:29 PM I am sure it was very therapeutic to write the poem and you are able to move on from the past and she is at peace in many ways:-) hugs Jan xx Jean Murray November 10, 2019 at 4:36 PM She was such a pure spirit Jan. The last time we met was on her birthday on October 6th. When I gave her her gift, she looked up at me and said."It was lovely to know you." One of those precious moments we never forget.

Silent One November 10, 2019 at 4:16 PM oh well, im sad to hear about your mother in law, but happy your remained good friends... nice to see you embraced him, i hope he has learnt the error of his ways... Jean Murray November 10, 2019 at 4:27 PM Now Silent...that is wishful thinking....

Evelyn Judy Buehler October 24, 2019 at 12:40 AM What a beautiful poem, full of love and meaning! I loved my late mother in law, too. She was a kind and giving person. Your poem makes me think of her. Jean Murray October 24, 2019 at 1:06 AM That's lovely Evelyn. They have bad reputations but I was blessed, just as you were.

Ilene Bauer October 23, 2019 at 3:46 PM a very touching poem, jean! you are fortunate to have had a relationship with your mother-in-law that outlasted your marriage and i love the way you've ended this poem, crediting her with your ability to forgive... Jean Murray October 23, 2019 at 3:59 PM It came from nowhere Ilene. I give her the credit. She deserves it.

Line Gauthier October 23, 2019 at 3:31 PM Absolutely lovely, Jean. Jean Murray October 23, 2019 at 3:56 PM Thank you Line.

Anne-Lise Andresen October 23, 2019 at 1:54 PM - Feel this is a true story, Jean - Both beautiful and sad, gives me lump in the throat - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Jean Murray October 23, 2019 at 2:15 PM Thank you. Yes it's true Anna-Lise. I find poetry a wonderful way of expressing emotion laden moments. It has helped me through many dark times, as you know.