Line Gauthier | + Follow Poet |
Free verse | + Fav Poem | Comment | Email | Print |

The Mother To His Daughter

Dark hair  Anemic skin  Soft misty eyes
So young how could I know
T’was only on her good days
I was allowed by her bedside
In an ever quiet house
Shades drawn  Kids told to hush  No reason given

I vaguely remember relatives
Their silent grim faces  Lined up taking turns
Down to the end of the hall
While I eyed in the corner
That tall off-limits piano  No one ever played

Too young to understand
My ever pensive solemn uncle
Was dealing with becoming a widower
Losing the mother to his daughter
My twelve-year old cousin
Somehow she’d need to cope
Growing up in a grief filled home
Where laughter would never be heard
The blinds kept drawn
For death to linger ever present



AP: Honorable Mention 2020

Submitted on February 19, 2018 for STANDARD CONTEST NO 70 sponsored by BRIAN STRAND

Copyright © Line Gauthier | Year Posted 2018

Please Login to post a comment

Gershon Wolf Date: 2/21/2018 4:18:00 PM I was wondering about that title when I saw it on your list of poems---What a marvelous treat to read such a true-to-life account of the impact of the loss of a life! Thank you for the treat. :-) Gershon Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 2/21/2018 6:11:00 PM Thank you so much, Gerson. I really appreciate your visit and comment.

Rhoda Tripp Date: 2/20/2018 6:22:00 PM Such a sad write, Line. I especially love the line about the piano. It really added to the story. Amazing talent. Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 2/20/2018 8:58:00 PM Thank you, Rhoda. Much appreciated visit and comment.

Andrea Dietrich Date: 2/20/2018 3:32:00 PM this is so sad and you captured very well that feeling in time, LIne. I really like this one. Also thanks for my win in your recent contest. I hope you have a beautiful evening. I am not even half done with replies to comments and I need to get home now!! Wish me luck catching up. Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 2/20/2018 3:56:00 PM Thank you so much, Andrea. If anyone can do it, you can.

CayCay Jennings Date: 2/20/2018 12:50:00 PM Good portrayal of the mourning gathering thru the eyes of a child. I felt her thinking, learning, absorbing - sad, huh? Poetry hugs ... CayCay Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 2/20/2018 3:56:00 PM Thank you, CayCay. Most appreciated.

Mike Gentile Date: 2/20/2018 9:55:00 AM So sad, Line, You've set the tone perfectly for the reader with your moving poem !! Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 2/20/2018 10:16:00 AM Thank you, Mike. Much appreciated visit and comment.

Viv Wigley Date: 2/20/2018 9:38:00 AM I can relate to this, as many can when they must face those last hours. A strong write, Line, well done. Regards viv Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 2/20/2018 10:15:00 AM Thank you, Viv. Much appreciated visit and comment.

Probir Gupta Date: 2/20/2018 7:05:00 AM That tall off-limits piano No one ever played - an overwhelming line ... a poignant write ... Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 2/20/2018 8:44:00 AM Thank you, Probir. Most appreciated visit and comment.

Silent One Date: 2/20/2018 6:36:00 AM Cancer is an evil disease Line... you wrote an emotive poem.. Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 2/20/2018 8:44:00 AM Thank you, SO. Most appreciated.

Judith S Date: 2/20/2018 4:01:00 AM Great writing Line! You’ve painted a picture so very vivid with your words. Good luck in the contest! ~ Judy Login to Reply