Sorry Mama

I whisper “sorry” into the night,
a trembling echo that finds your doorway,
and every syllable lands on the cracked floor
of a heart that once beat for two.

Your tears are rivers that carve canyons in my chest,
each drop a memory of empty plates,
of you, starving, so I could taste tomorrow.
I feel that hunger now, a hollow that no feast can fill.

I’m out here, in the bush, chasing shadows,
hunting for a future that seems just out of reach,
but every rustle of leaves reminds me of your lullaby,
every cracked twig a note from the song you sang.

Don’t doubt me, Mama—pray for me,
let your prayers be the wind that lifts my weary wings,
let them become the rain that waters the seeds we plant,
the sun that warms our hands when night feels endless.

One day, I will break every curse that clings to our name,
shatter every chain forged by poverty and fear,
and turn every storm into a road that carries us home.
I will carry the tree, its branches wide, its roots deep,
and under its shade we’ll rest, finally safe.

You were both father and mother, a double-edged sword of love,
and I, your child, will become the door you always guarded—
a doorway to hope, to laughter, to a family whole again.

So hold this promise, Mama, like a lantern in the dark:
the world may test us, but our blood will not break.
I will return, and when I do, the world will hear our story—
a story of sacrifice, of forgiveness, of an unbreakable bond.

Sorry, Mama. I’m sorry. And I’m coming home.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Be the first to comment on this poem. Encourage this poet.

Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace