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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Marcum Wong Avatar
April 25, 2019 at 2:06 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! : )
Bradfield Avatar
April 25, 2019 at 6:48 AM
Thank you, Connie!!
Duet Avatar
April 17, 2019 at 5:31 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.
Bradfield Avatar
April 17, 2019 at 10:30 PM
Than you, Carole...nicely said! and I appreciate it!!
Cholt Avatar
April 17, 2019 at 5:15 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.
Bradfield Avatar
April 17, 2019 at 5:18 PM
Thank you, kindly and I do hope you are right!!
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