What's Love Got To Do With It?

When she is pregnant, the father long gone, the street her home, she knows she cannot 
afford, or provide for you, yet, will not allow you to be forcefully taken from her womb.

When you are born, she leaves you on a door stoop instead of in a garbage dump.

Where after years of hardship and pain, she finds you once again, you reject her, then 
chastise her sin, send her away, do not let her defend against the hell she lives in.

When you marry in front of all your family and friends, the only one absent, your mother, 
you give nary a thought whether she is alive or dead.

When the day comes your children wonder why you never talk about your mother, they 
question what she did, to make you despise her, like no other.

When you realize there was no shame, she gave life over death, she gave you a chance you 
would never have, a home with a bed, instead of a crate over a grate.

When finally you search, years go by, until one day you discover her upon her death bed, 
your head awash with memories missed, those, you will never have, you look upon a face, 
you once looked upon with hate, tears held in check all these years, flow freely, 
overwhelmed with emotion, barely able to speak, she takes your hand, smiles, then closes 
her eyes.

The last she sees, her son at her bedside telling her he loves her, he wants more time, she 
dies peacefully, happier in this moment than any other time.

What's Love Got To Do With It?
Everything!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Mason Avatar
February 5, 2010 at 4:57 PM
Well, it was a great song ... smile ... and this writing is awesome. I was able to tell my mother I loved her before she died and then spent the next 20 years trying to get over the hate I felt (see my Adult Child of an Alcoholic) so this writing hits pretty hard, Mac!! Great imagery and I am glad you've brought your talent to PoetrySoup!!
Keogh Jr. Avatar
February 5, 2010 at 4:23 PM
This is quite heartfelt! Did this really happen to you? It has that authentic, not tinny feel to it that I like. It almost goes down the road to say, Harry Chapin. I like it and you should, too, Mister Mac. Nice job. regards, Gerard. Thank you. You remarks mean more than words can convey. Regards, Gerard.
Culverhouse Avatar
February 5, 2010 at 3:37 PM
wiping tears
Sweetheart Avatar
February 5, 2010 at 2:51 PM
Expressive and emotional narrative Mac and a story within a story ... wonderful read from your gifted pen.. luv.. Linda-Marie..
Loving Iii Avatar
February 5, 2010 at 11:21 AM
touching. John H Loving III
Hill Avatar
February 5, 2010 at 11:14 AM
Your last word says it all.....TAH
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