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She Winked At Me

The Great Depression and then the Dust Bowl -
I was but a child as these took their toll
And as the light went from my mother's eyes
Who could understand the wheres and the whys
Then followed the war that swallowed the world
And re-lit the spark as our flag unfurled
Mother worked hard in the teeth of that gale
Never thought of loss though the light grew pale
Then one day it was over finally
My mother squeezed my hand and winked at me
She had known it all along, hadn't she
Not ever before had she winked at me
Then the years fell away till all were done
Should have said I was proud to be her son
How many words have tumbled from my head
But, oh, that sentence that I left unsaid

4-17-19
Contest:What Was Left Unsaid
Sponsor:Line Gauthier

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Sandra L. Weiss

Date: 4/25/2019 3:17:00 PM

This is beautiful, your words and sentiment. I think she knew without you saying a word. She was your mother...she knew. Congratulations on your win with this loving verse.

Larry Bradfield
Date: 4/26/2019 10:24:00 PM

Thank you, Sandra!!

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 4/25/2019 2:06:00 AM

This poem touches the heart, especially if a mother. You have written it so lovingly to honor her. Somehow I feel she knows Larry. Congratulations on your most deserving First Placement! : )

Larry Bradfield
Date: 4/25/2019 6:48:00 AM

Thank you, Connie!!

Carole Duet

Date: 4/17/2019 5:31:00 PM

So sweet and poignant...and I'm sure any mother would know how you felt just by looking at you, meeting each other eye to eye. Great poem, Larry.

Larry Bradfield
Date: 4/17/2019 10:30:00 PM

Than you, Carole...nicely said! and I appreciate it!!

W.A. Cholt

Date: 4/17/2019 5:15:00 PM

Sadly, we all have things we regret not saying. I do believe that our loved ones know without the words being said. All we can do is learn from our regrets. A fine poem indeed.

Larry Bradfield
Date: 4/17/2019 5:18:00 PM

Thank you, kindly and I do hope you are right!!