Notes About The Poem

 

Who Is This Woman I Love

She was beauty, softness and she was grace.
She was loves maintained, ever giving face.
She was forgiveness in gesture soothing pace.
She trimmed my self-worth with maternal lace.
She was my one dependable home place.
Forever, I will gratefully bear her trace.

Her sixth decade showed signs of change.
No longer is joy or logic found in her campaign.
She clutches bitterness to allow its reign,
as though bitter be her only lifetime gain.
She seems to fist, produce and seed blame.
She taints the past with cruel words that stain.

How I miss and desire the woman I knew!
She guided me as I grew and after, too.
I long for the laughter that would ensue
whenever we gathered alone, just we two.
I cry for the woman I always turned to
whenever I was joyous, confused or blue.

She is my beloved Mother, and she is not.
My best attempts fail as her remedy sought.
I break in dark pieces seeing her so caught
in the bitter web of resentment’s sick plot.
I know not if karma fated her this distraught
or what spirit truth might loosen her knots.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016


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Date: 9/16/2025 8:53:00 PM
A great description of the relationship between you and your mother. I see that Connie favved this one. I really love the picture. You look divine. It is so sad that she changed but didn't you tell me things improved , since you wrote this poem? I am going to soupmail now to tell you s few things
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Date: 12/12/2016 5:14:00 AM
Oh what joy to read those lines in clear honesty. I marvel at your words. You take after her. The eyes are the same. Yours softer.
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Date: 12/10/2016 11:14:00 AM
You both look lovely in this picture CayCay. This is an intimate look into the complex relationship of mother and daughter, written with so much empathy and compassion and love. It reveals l s much about the lovely person you are. 7 ; ) a fave
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Date: 12/3/2016 12:09:00 AM
Always remember them as they were in their great days! Well, that's what I do. A very heartfelt poem! When the mind and body wander over to the abyss it can be overpowering to return! Not saying that your mom has. I can't explain my thoughts right now! Haven't got enough characters on this to do so! A very touching poem, CayCay!
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Date: 12/1/2016 12:13:00 PM
Dear Caycay, this is so heart wrenching. I really feel your pain in this one. I think old age really does a number on some of us and it's so sad that it has to be that way. Only in my 60's now and I can almost understand what must have happened with her, because one can feel so hopeless and out of control when pain comes to them. I know you live with pain too and i pray for both of us and your mom and many others, that we an learn to survive it with grace. BIG SEven!
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Date: 12/1/2016 8:49:00 AM
So heartfelt and compelling ... We all can relate with a heavy heart ...
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Date: 12/1/2016 8:07:00 AM
A touching and glorious tribute to God's masterpiece: Mother, dear CayCay ! You enter the very soul of the reader with your masterful writing! A seven for certain! Adored it!
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Date: 11/30/2016 3:17:00 PM
i am speechless ohh cay... this hearfelt poem reminds me of my mom as well.. a compelling write, so preciously embedded in my being... blessings and huggs
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CayCay Jennings
Date: 11/30/2016 5:07:00 PM
I imagine watching a parent or parents age is a universal challenge. I often wish for expert advice, but can't imagine there's any where to turn that doesn't cost or guarantee true aid. Thank you for sharing about your Mom and for your comment in its entirety. Hugging you ... CayCay
Date: 11/30/2016 2:44:00 PM
Hi CayCay, I don't know where to begin.It was hard to this one, it pulled at the heartstrings. You penned such a sad and heartfelt piece. I agree with Chris , the woman that you once knew is still some where inside. You are a great daughter and it's evident that you love your mother so. I will be praying along with you CayCay-Alexis
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CayCay Jennings
Date: 11/30/2016 4:54:00 PM
Hi, Sweetie - You and Chris are right, glimpses, flashes and sometimes even hours bring the Mother who raised me back to me. Sometimes we even giggle until we ink, just like we used to. The winter season of life should be grace blessed and the sun should not stop shining. It is difficult. Thanks for your presence and comments ... CayCay
Date: 11/30/2016 2:34:00 PM
Oh dear one....what a touching poem. I hope that glimpses of who she was still shine through. I know this pain...but of a different kind. MS clouded my mother's mind...but her smile was still bright. It was hard to communicate. I know this pain. I send you hugs. Dear...you are beautiful...simply beautiful. Your mama looks sweet as well.
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CayCay Jennings
Date: 11/30/2016 4:51:00 PM
Obviously, when one's parents live long enough, adult children share the pain that you and I know. It just should not be sad, Eileen, I love elderly people whose faces bears smile lines and gentle wisdom. Maybe that is just Hallmark movies. I am sorry for the pain of your Mother's journey, but know all is as it should be, despite appearances and human pain. Thank you for the beautiful word! Poetry hugs ... CayCay
Date: 11/30/2016 2:18:00 PM
The poem in itself is beautiful, sad and it pulls at the strings of my heart, CayCay. It is hard to understand how a person's mind and heart work, especially in advanced age; deep down there must be reasons for it. I know how you must feel, since you are in a position to compare the then and the now. I'm glad that in the face of all drawbacks you hold on to positivity. ~ Warm regards // paul
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CayCay Jennings
Date: 11/30/2016 4:48:00 PM
Yes, I do hold positivity, even pick it up when she slaps it out of my hands. Your words and shared thoughts are warmly received and appreciated. Thank you ... CayCay
Date: 11/30/2016 12:44:00 PM
Your words brought tears to my eyes as I can relate to this so so much with my mum CayCay - the second stanza resonates so strongly with me ... it is heartbreaking to see how she has changed - I wish I could turn back the clock and I worry for the future:-(:-( hugs Jan xx
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CayCay Jennings
Date: 12/3/2016 1:12:00 AM
No, it doesn't bear thinking about. We must not throw away today thinking about our distant tomorrow (if I say distant long enough, maybe it will seem so.) Hugs back ... CayCay
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Jan Allison
Date: 11/30/2016 6:09:00 PM
Oh CayCay I dread the thought I will end up with memory issues like mum ... and seeing others in the care home with dementia .. oh it doesn't bear thinking about....:-( hugs Jan xx
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CayCay Jennings
Date: 11/30/2016 1:13:00 PM
It is strange how strongly I felt YOU when I posted this. Don't know what that feeling meant, but here you are and you found this quick. Me thinks you were meant to read it. If we cannot help them, despite our heart-best efforts, do you think we can at least prevent ourselves from becoming like them? Rhetorical question. Thank you, dear one, for your comments ... CayCay
Date: 11/30/2016 12:27:00 PM
Sigh, this is so sad CayCay. I have recently noticed a change in my mother but nothing along these lines. This piece broke my heart to read. The need and longing for what she had always been is vivid as is the pain and sadness of not finding what you seek. But, somewhere in there she is still her, still the mother you knew. Where does bitterness come from, who knows...maybe it is a cry for help, maybe it is just something that happens. I hope I didn't get to personal there. Nicely expressed
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CayCay Jennings
Date: 11/30/2016 1:11:00 PM
Honey, I just posted my guts and I have done so before, so NO, you cannot get too personal. I do though hope the poem itself will be viewed, not just the content, for poetry's sake. Chris, my Mom is bitter about everyone she ever knew including my grandparents, my father, her brother, her child - my sister, and everything that has ever happened. It is just as hard to be around as it is to emotionally comprehend or accept. She relies of me for companionship and trips to store, doctors, etc. so I talk with her every day. I am a positive person and try hard to turn her around while keeping my emotional mind in tact. Thanks for your comments and allowing me this therapy. You are always very kind ... CayCay
Date: 11/30/2016 12:16:00 PM
What a skillfully written, bittersweet piece. It gives me pause, truly it does. My prayer joins yours. So nicely done, oozing with your frustration and hope. Dave
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CayCay Jennings
Date: 11/30/2016 12:22:00 PM
How I appreciate your prayers, David! Thank you for saying that, feeling that and for the other kind, uplifting comments you gave to me ... CayCay
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