With a Gentle Hand

Mama, did you know the precious amethyst shadow hours
I spent beside you, cuddled cosy-close, nestled in blankets of light,
shawled in your red-gold hair? I kissed each tear you cried;
each one a starlight pearl forged from the depths
of your fragile soul. I rocked seashell-shut to each lullaby note
and silently watched as you rocked my cold, empty cradle.
Sometimes you sensed me coiled at your breast -
a small, balled knot of grief. You felt my tiny fingers plucking at you
as tingling shivers. And sometimes I bounced sunshine-free
on your knee, a giggling orb of light.

Little one, once again I felt you here,
entombed in the womb of this eternal everywhere room,
your spirit sifting through my fingers like hourglass sand.
Pain has blanked my mind wraith-white, but I felt
your lips nip the warm rosebuds of my nipples
as I pressed a lullaby to the delicate shell of your ear
and brief blessed seconds spun out like years.
My sentient heart will always hold you, my grip will never slip
as my earthbound hands, human-warm, reach through time
and heather-shadowed ether to love and care for you.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025


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Date: 9/15/2025 9:42:00 PM
Simple unrelenting absolute love on display as poetic expression defines a seminal relationship never severed, briefly shared, constantly longed for. A master class on so many levels, Ms. Puddifoot.
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Date: 9/15/2025 8:19:00 PM
This is deeply intimate and tender. The imagery of love, memory, and eternal connection is moving and profoundly heartfelt. Thank you for sharing this with us.
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Date: 9/15/2025 4:16:00 AM
Precious. J x
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Date: 9/14/2025 3:55:00 AM
The pain is palatable, but the courage with which the memories are borne, is a salve to the soul. Thank you for sharing this touching tribute with us, Charlotte.
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Date: 9/13/2025 1:20:00 PM
I'm glad you had someone in your life who was good to you. Sometimes it's only one (been there). Never was too close to my mom but she was a decent lass. Awesome poetry
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 9/14/2025 4:44:00 AM
Ahhh. Sorry I'm not too deep but from the other comments maybe not alone. I remember you once said most of your writes come from a real place so sorry for the loss dear Charlotte
Puddifoot Avatar
Charlotte Puddifoot
Date: 9/14/2025 3:21:00 AM
thx but you've misinterpreted this one, it's not about my mother, it's a dialogue between baby and mother (myself) after the baby's loss
Date: 9/13/2025 11:47:00 AM
- A heartwarming and beautiful poem, Charlotte :) - Love it :) - Best wishes in the contest ... hope you top the winners list :) - hugs
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Date: 9/13/2025 9:45:00 AM
Wow, this is BEAUTIFUL- one of the best mother poems I have ever read, Charlotte. Such sweet emotion, evident in your heart warm words. I am so glad to read this gem today,
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