Mother's Bookmark's

My thoughts they roil like waters dark 
in the abyss of blackest night, 
with memories of mother’s bookmark,
of Longfellow read by lamp light.
She called, in the room around me,
the patter of other small feet.
Her gentle voice fetched angels	.
Oh, the rhymes, they astounded me 
like lullabies soft and so sweet.
All fearsome shadows, she’d dispel.

Maxine, my queen, read Tennyson
and the Charge of the Light Brigade.
A little girl dreamt of caissons
roll, and thunderous cannonade.
To be so brave, the small child mused,
mother her precious, heroine;
what would it take to stand so strong	
without father, and not confused.
What words could be the linchpin
to right mother’s tell-tale wrong.

Such sad inspiration, mother,
oh, how I wronged you by being born,
though I loved you above all others.
Some thoughts of you make me forlorn.
Bring back the tales of mother goose,
three small kittens and their mittens.
Return the vision of your smile
the happiness your warmth induced,
let your spirit comfort, lighten
night, if only for a little while.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Muideen Avatar
May 4, 2015 at 5:58 PM
This is very interesting and awesome poem Great work.
May Avatar
January 29, 2014 at 7:34 PM
This one touches the depths of the soul...awesome...congrats on your win
Jones Avatar
January 29, 2014 at 11:48 AM
Debbie, Debbie!! You poetic soul, you. This is sooo well crafted and beautiful to boot. Thanks for supporting my contest, namaste friend. ~N
Phookan Avatar
January 28, 2014 at 11:18 PM
There I saw my mom too.. Congrats Debbie!! Love you and your poems...Thank you sweetest for writing this beautiful!
Collins Avatar
October 19, 2013 at 9:17 AM
Oh Debbie - I am in love with this poem and your very clever and appropriate snippets. It may help that you mentioned two of my favorite poems and poets. "The patter of OTHER feet; rolling and thunderous cannonade" made me smile so. It's a sad tale in the end and wonderful when we can remember the good. I'm curious about "because of me". Almost smacks of death in childbirth, but it doesn' t fit. love, Kathy
Kendrick Avatar
October 8, 2013 at 5:16 AM
Mothers of this world either build or destroy the future generations..Enjoyed reading your creative works..My mother quoted Nursery Rhymes, had my brother read the comic strip to me and my daddy read me the front page..Mother used what she had to try to help me in school..This work is very expressive and nostalgic..Thanks for the visit by my page and the honor of placing in your contest..I am still working on congrats which I am behind with handling..Sara
Carrillo Avatar
October 6, 2013 at 3:53 PM
Debbie; These are the memories that stay with us forever. My mom is gone, but I have memories of her. Thanks for sharing.... Lucilla
Duncan Avatar
October 5, 2013 at 2:39 PM
Awesome write Debbie ,,,, memories in time is all we have. You have a fab day ;} fav's .
Richards Avatar
October 3, 2013 at 2:10 PM
I am truly sad for any child who grows in the darkness of a parent's depression, if that is what it was. It is hard enough to be a child......but to carry the weight of an adult's misguidance.....is a maze in which the sunlight cannot shine.......until we open our own windows.....and breathe in fresh-new air! :) Bless the child in you...
Dietrich Avatar
October 2, 2013 at 5:58 PM
I agree with sandra. This is full of poignancy. I feel that you had some sadness with your mother. I love the longing at the end.
Adams Avatar
October 2, 2013 at 3:05 PM
this is such a poignant write though beautifully penned, it tears at the heartstrings...
Chircop Avatar
October 2, 2013 at 2:57 PM
I do believe you are the greatest gift a mother can have and Im sure mother is still so proud of you in heaven.Sweet lady you misted my eyes..So beautiful this is and going to my favs where it belongs. My hands are full these days but i ll try to be here more often..Take care..ma
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