Who I Would Bring Back

Who would I bring back, if I had only one
Perhaps a great leader, Kennedy or Lincoln

Or I could choose a musical icon
Such as John Lennon or Michael Jackson

Maybe a legend of the silver screen
Maybe Marilyn Monroe or James Dean

All gifts to the world, but the selfish truth
I would bring back the mother of my youth

The mother who, with sublime grace,
Applied lipstick and blush to her ivory face

The mother whose delicate jasmine perfume
Filled my childhood's every room

Whose all-day-long-to-cook beef stew
Was the first comfort food I knew

Her dancing steps, so full of ease
Until the claws of arthritis seized

Her laughter so free, her hugs so giving
Before these days of assisted living

I would return the fire to her hair
And raise her from the wheelchair

And, as I used to, watch her choose
Her dress, earrings, necklace and shoes

Then she'll softly kiss my cheek
Before going out, coiffed and sleek

To her I would give my own energy
To be, again, the woman in my memory...

10/09/18
for Caren Krutsinger's 'Who Would You Bring Back' contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Peck Avatar
January 3, 2022 at 10:08 AM
I just read your beautiful poem for the first time. It's so tender and beautiful, Michelle ~ your mother sounds very special. Age deteriorates us ~ so cruelly.
Fenn Avatar
March 30, 2021 at 9:19 PM
Hi Michelle! This brought me close to tears. Good poetry does that, so it just shows how great a poet you are. This is how I am feeling about my mother and my adopted grandmother now. This is a fave for me.
Faulkner Avatar
April 1, 2021 at 8:02 PM
Thank you, Jennifer, I am glad you got a connection from this, I hope your mother and adopted grandmother are doing ok, my mother is getting by but not the same as she was~
Gauthier Avatar
May 23, 2020 at 10:51 PM
Wow ~ what a beautiful poignant tribute. The love is awesome. A FAVE for me.
Faulkner Avatar
May 25, 2020 at 5:27 PM
I am very touched and humbled, thank you-
Watt Avatar
May 14, 2020 at 8:03 PM
This is sublime, Michelle. So personal, but one that many, many people can relate to (myself included). I'm sorry she is not the person she once was, but am glad you have such pleasant memories of her. She sounds like a terrific person, and I'm sure she is very proud of her daughter, and smiles to read this. A fave for me, one I will return to when I miss my mother ~ John
Faulkner Avatar
May 25, 2020 at 5:26 PM
That is such a humbling compliment, thank you, John-
Cornish Avatar
November 13, 2018 at 3:50 PM
Brings happy and thoughtful tears Michelle - I must call my Mom now, she's 88 and still lively as heck.
Faulkner Avatar
November 25, 2018 at 6:48 PM
Good for your mom - you should call her!
Mukhopadhyay Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 9:43 AM
It's a nice memory of one's mother to be kept in the folds of poetry. I liked.
Faulkner Avatar
November 25, 2018 at 6:48 PM
Thank you for your lovely comment!
De Beaulieu Avatar
November 6, 2018 at 12:26 PM
Hello Michelle, oh this poem has me wondering Whom i would bring back. have a nice day my friend.
Faulkner Avatar
November 6, 2018 at 7:08 PM
Thank you for your kind words, Darlene!
Elam Avatar
November 5, 2018 at 6:57 PM
Really spoke to me. Remembering my own dear mother. So well written.
Faulkner Avatar
November 6, 2018 at 7:09 PM
Thank you so much, Mark!
Moore Avatar
October 29, 2018 at 2:44 AM
Beautifully sad, I must say really awesome job!
Faulkner Avatar
November 6, 2018 at 7:09 PM
Appreciate that, thanks, Jay!
Allison Avatar
October 23, 2018 at 7:41 AM
dropping back with my congrats Michelle:-) hugs Jan xx
Faulkner Avatar
November 6, 2018 at 7:10 PM
Always happy to hear from you, Jan!
Wolf Avatar
October 22, 2018 at 10:10 AM
Back with heartfelt congratulations on your win with this poem straight from the heart. Best wishes, Gershon
Faulkner Avatar
October 22, 2018 at 2:11 PM
Thank you again, my friend!
Gauthier Avatar
October 22, 2018 at 10:01 AM
What a lovely composition, love how you put things in perspective to zero in on your lovely tribute. Feels like an echo of my personal feelings about my mother. Had to FAVE. Congrats on your well deserved gold medal win, Michelle.
Faulkner Avatar
October 22, 2018 at 2:12 PM
Thank you for your wonderful comment, much appreciated!
Thomas Avatar
October 20, 2018 at 2:40 AM
Your words immortalize the memory of your cherished mum
Faulkner Avatar
October 21, 2018 at 12:46 AM
Thank you, JP!
Hamilton Avatar
October 17, 2018 at 9:52 PM
Very touching write Michelle, age and disease ruins the best sometimes!
Faulkner Avatar
October 21, 2018 at 12:47 AM
Yes, she is very different now, sadly-
Pigeon Tart Avatar
October 17, 2018 at 9:49 PM
This is so heart rendering Michelle. Wonderful tender penning. My best to you in the contest! xomo
Faulkner Avatar
October 21, 2018 at 12:48 AM
Thank you for your kind words, Maureen!
Adams Avatar
October 12, 2018 at 10:55 PM
This is a wonderful write Michelle, an easy win and a FAV for me!.....Made me think of my mom who raised my brother and myself alone. Red lipstick, wonderful long black wavy hair. My dad was her second husband. (An alcoholic) She was robbed of all her favorite things to do by Parkinsons. I feel for you my friend. I know it's not easy.......80)
Faulkner Avatar
October 13, 2018 at 4:36 PM
My dad also my mom's 2nd husband, also alcoholic, she has many health issues, so sorry about your mother-
Wolf Avatar
October 12, 2018 at 3:34 PM
I can only second the other's words: Beautiful, touching, sweet, poignant,... utterly heartfelt. (Can I stop crying now?) Bravo, Michelle! ~ Gershon
Faulkner Avatar
October 12, 2018 at 4:26 PM
Thank you so much, Gershon!
Kiser Avatar
October 11, 2018 at 6:35 AM
Wow, now that was beautifully sweet; I do wish that you could bring her back. Well-penned. Good luck in the contest.
Faulkner Avatar
October 12, 2018 at 4:25 PM
Thank you for your kind wishes, M.L!
Bangalee Avatar
October 10, 2018 at 5:15 AM
Absolutely this woman world is right.
Faulkner Avatar
October 10, 2018 at 1:24 PM
Thank you for your visit and comment, Mahtab!
Mcferran Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 10:50 PM
It is hard to watch people you love crippled and changed by age and illness. This poem is so moving and gorgeously penned... fantastic write, my friend!
Faulkner Avatar
October 10, 2018 at 1:24 PM
Thank you so much, my friend!
Leffanta Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 4:35 PM
My daughter would most certainly agree with you! Aloha! Rico
Faulkner Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 10:46 PM
Thanks, Rico!
Canerdy Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 4:26 PM
Absolutely beautiful--so moving and poignant, Michelle! Janice
Faulkner Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 10:45 PM
Thank you for your kind comment!
Allison Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 3:46 PM
Such a touching piece Michelle, I've not thought about writing for the contest but will probably write about my maternal grandmother who I never met:-) hugs jan xx
Faulkner Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 10:41 PM
I also never knew my maternal grandmother - makes you wonder what they were like!
Sands Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 3:39 PM
Very well written Michelle. A special poem :)
Faulkner Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 10:37 PM
Thanks, Heidi!
Green Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 3:09 PM
This was wonderful Michelle. Such a touching poem.
Faulkner Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 10:37 PM
Thank you, Chris!
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