Gratitude

A breakthrough, what those moments can do for you.

So unexpected through the maze

and from the confines of her bed,

at last a pathway clears the haze.

Was it something that I said,

that made her stretch to touch my hand?

Her head leaned forward, not a word,

I heard her laughter as it broke.

Through all the smoke that fogs her mind,

the unkind battles she has fought.

I never thought once more I'd see,

my Mother's eyes smile back at me.

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This is so beautiful. I can see and understand it clearly. It hit home on a personal level too as I remember my own mother's days of rare lucidity when she could find her way through the fog. It's like watching a flower bloom right in front of your eyes. So touching. F.

[Chris Shaw]

When the fog clears, what a joy that can be. Thank you Fabian for your thoughts.

Chris

[Aluppi Jampur]

This is brilliant, Chris.
Very meaningful and perfectly captured.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Chrome. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[cheyenne s garcia]

I loved reading this. For I love my mother as well. Please read my work too.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks yous for your kind review. All good wishes.

Chris

[M. J. Smith]

Time is cruel, slowly stealing our lived ones a piece at a time.
When they live but they're not truly alive, that is the hardest. When they are there but not truly present. Mama is seventy now. Her mind forgets things so easily. She can forget in the middle of a task what she was doing. I worry. Are these normal age tricks? Or early signs of deeper trouble? Hope and heartbreak so well captured. Well done, Ma'am.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you MJS. Old age is unkind. That I have
learned. Appreciate your thoughts here.

Chris

[JE Falcon]

Such a sweet poem, touching.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Falcon for your review and for stopping by.

Chris

[JE Falcon]

Always a pleasure, Chris.

[Sami Khalil]

From her very first touch till her last, it was of great meaning and blessings. The mother that swings the cradle can swing the whole world. Her tears are of pain and joy. A selfless heart she is and a giving hand she is. This poem is awesome to honor her and all mothers as a consequence.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sami. You are a treasure much appreciated.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

You too. You are welcome Chris.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'Gratitude'
Christine Anne Shaw,
The vision of hope and meaning this poem holds out;
it shows surprise welcomed in relation to a precious loved one.
I understand how we expect or think we understand the physical
condition of a parent when we are caring for them. Beautiful words:
"Her head leaned forward, not a word,
I heard her laughter as it broke.
Through all the smoke that fogs her mind,
the unkind battles she has fought.
I never thought once more I'd see,
my Mother's eyes smile back a t me.
This is greatly encouraging and I am so glad you shared it.
Thank you and bless you.
kathy

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kathy. At a time we thought our mother was lost to us forever in deep depression. She did come back to us, but not as she had been before and will never be again. We do still have her though and I am more than thankful for that.

Chris

[Kathy Van Kurin]

I appreciate how you have a perspective which sees the good. Love does that I think. I am happy that your family is blessed. Bless you too. Hope you are finding bits of sunshine in this early summer.
Kathy

[Anand Sehgal]

Very sensitive write. Time swallows us all. Only thing the helps us overcome the sense of ephemerality is the remembrance, a few long lasting good memories.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your kind response.

Chris

[charlie]

This is tremendously moving. ... I read this book one time: "100 poems to make grown men cry" or some such... This poem could've found a home in that volume.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. That is high praise indeed :)

Chris

[sette]

wow a heartwarming poem, the unconditional love of a mother towards her child cannot be equated and is indeed priceless

[Chris Shaw]

How right you are sette. Priceless is an excellent word to sum it up. Thank you.

[sette]

you are most welcome