A Mother's Love ⁓ (after death)

English [Shakespearean] Sonnet

Author's Note

⟢ IN HOMAGE TO AND CELEBRATION OF MY MOTHER'S 14TH YEAR IN HEAVEN ⟣
I wrote this just after my mother's passing and read it at her funeral service.
In truth, I grew-up without a father and my mother was terribly abusive,
until I finally left home at sixteen and signed aboard the U.S. Navy
for four-years. Who knows what fate might’ve otherwise held.
Still, in her offbeat ways, she must surely have loved me.
Yet, this poem expresses how I felt about my mother,
not however her feelings might've been about me.
Ah! But, as the olde folks say, "C'est la vie!"
༺☀️༻
Artwork by "Pael" -- courtesy of Pinterest.
Acrylic on canvas, palette-knife 'n brush.

Please, feel free to critique this piece with your usual honest candor. 🍃

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This might be the most self-revealing authors note I've seen from you -- thank you for sharing & for trusting your heart into the care of your readers. I love your poem, especially V3 where you show us an example of what it looks like to see the best in another person, despite the worst that this person might've shown us (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Richard🖌]

With your gentle words, Dear Margie,

You've truly touched my heart in a way few rarely have or dare to do … this requires a bit of "letting go", too, let's say.
True, my Author's Note speaks so much in an honest, open manner, and who better to thrust than those kindred spirits whom I believe will best understand and relate with like depth of spirit, feelings, and emotion … like You 🍂

Thank you ever-so warmly, Margie ⁓ Richard🍃

[ProphetsMother]

This is beautiful I didn't know from reading it that she was abusive to you but now I can see it as I read it again.. I wonder if my love for my parents will be set free too once they are dead. It's a sad fate, isn't it? But don't they say that death is the ultimate equalizer? This is beautiful. I guess we have to make the most of what is handed down to us. I love it.

[Richard🖌]

I've fallen so far behind,

After my teaching retirement, being offline for so long, and not commenting on reviews, I'm making a quick thank you to everyone for their wonderful input and feedback.

Big smiles 'n hugs to one and all! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Carmine Branco]

We seldomly speak of those we love, or are bound to us by chance or blood, as they truly are. We create our own image of what we want them to be, or have been. We tend to elevate or destroy the figures in our lives, based on our emotions, very often hiding their true colours. It is a protective veil our subconscious creates for it's own need. Nothing is ever too black or too white. And yet, to us it becomes our vision. Vision we take with us forever. A mother is a vital part of our being, our first hope, our final anchor. You portray a beautiful, idealistic vision of what your heart wanted and needed from the mother. Especially when the holy bond gets severed by something so permanent as death. Beautiful eulogy.

[Richard🖌]

I've fallen so far behind,

After my teaching retirement, being offline for so long, and not commenting on reviews, I'm making a quick thank you to everyone for their wonderful input and feedback.

Big smiles 'n hugs to one and all! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Betty Hermelee]

a beautiful tribute to your mother...life isn't always perfect...there are times of conflict in one's life; relationships withe mothers are sometimes rough around the edges....but in the end a mother is to be cherished d you show us that in this lovely poem....
Best, B

[Richard🖌]

I've fallen so far behind,

After my teaching retirement, being offline for so long, and not commenting on reviews, I'm making a quick thank you to everyone for their wonderful input and feedback.

Big smiles 'n hugs to one and all! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Carola]

hi richard, a deep poem. amazing you could write such lovely words about an abuser.
it's staggering how many mothers are abusive, both my parents were in my teenage years, looking back I don't think they could handle an emerging youngster who wanted fewer restrictions like my school peers had.
i only got on with my father in the last 10 years of his life, & that only happened because he left my mother when he was 87 for a much younger woman (51), got married she told him he hadn't been a good father. he saw the light & changed, amazing, i'm still in touch with my younger than me step-mother.
i switched off & never really cared about or was interested in my mother, although i'm the family historian. but I separate family history from personality.
cheerio carola

[Richard🖌]

I've fallen so far behind,

After my teaching retirement, being offline for so long, and not commenting on reviews, I'm making a quick thank you to everyone for their wonderful input and feedback.

Big smiles 'n hugs to one and all! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Bivita]

I almost started sobbing. a beautiful, innocent poem that displays the affection and love we have for our mothers. In my culture, a mother symbolises a goddess that is worshipped and respected.
But knowing that your mother was abusive towards you and still you got out these words from your mind and heart shows that no matter what we are inclined towards loving and caring for our parents.
Lovely poem

Bivita

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Bivita,

For sharing my humble little poem and your keen understanding.
read moreThank you, Bivita,

For sharing my humble little poem and your keen understanding.
Yes, we have but one mother, such as she might be, to love and be grateful for.

Your lovely praise warmed my heart! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Lisasview]

I read this one of yours last week but did not leave a review...although I could have sworn I did.
How wonderful that you read this at your mothers funeral.
I hate to think you were abused..but then again you feel your mother must have loved you...in her own way... strange as that is... and it appears you have forgiven her..or???
One doesn't forget but one can forgive...I believe that is the only way to move forward.
Lisa

[Richard🖌]

Salutations, Lisa 🌺

I thank you most humbly and gratefully.
Forgiven before the act … sons and mothers have their moments (sad and happy), but the son must be willing to move on, because the mother is just who she is.

Hope you're feeling better … hugs to You ⁓ Richard🖌

[Lisasview]

Hi there Richard...You are so very welcome. My review came from my heart
And, yes, I am better...thank you,
Lisa

[emmajoygreen]

Beautiful and sincere, your tribute to your darling mother speaks for everyone who had such preciousness in the bearing if his or her life and -throughout both of their lives

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Em,

For your sharing your compassionate take on this piece. ⁓ Richard🖌

[emmajoygreen]

Your words are full of love - that matters

[Richard🖌]

Indeed, it does 🤗

[William Michael Reeves]

The Volta in particular touched me, and my own relationship with my mom. The years have erased the pains of youth. Understanding that mothers are also young and learning as they go. This poignant poem is inspiring in so many ways, and equally painful as memories can be.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you William,

For reading, commenting, and for sharing a meaningful bit of your own sentiments and emotions.

Happiness for your day! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Lacey Sue]

My grandma was a mother figure until I was 3 and then I watched her pass

[Richard🖌]

So very sad, Hazel 😔
Some things we never forget, or get over, eh?