If

(If only there was a choice to alleviate the suffering at the end of life. Written for my Mum) One from the archives.

If I could choose the season,

the hour and the place,

she'd be seated in my garden

with a smile upon her face.

Not a trace of fear of anguish,

not a sign of wretched pain,

while admiring pink azaleas

still wet from early rain.

Overhead the winged kites soaring,

spring sky a mottled blue,

a parting in the mourning cloud

would let the sun break through.

Melodious notes of birdsong,

a chorus of delight

would be the last thing that she'd hear

before her soul took flight.

Reviews

[lightsong]

such a tender sincerely heartwarming words for Your mom dear Chris, I do remember that she is far from You in a nursing home, I hope I'm not mistaken here, unfortunately we can't get hold of many things in life, sometimes we make hard decisions even if they are painful knowing it's the best to do.

[Chris Shaw]

You remember well Light. Mum is 200 miles away. I would rather she was nearer, but that isn't possible, so we all take it in turns to visit. She does get to see us frequently and my step Dad visits everyday. She is much loved and it is painful to see her a shell of her former vibrant self with no appetite for living. I appreciate your kind thoughts so much.

Chris

[lightsong]

that's sad dear Chris, but I know that she feels Your love for her and that gives her more strength and warmth.

sending You both the happiest best wishes*

[Chris Shaw]

You are so kind, and I thank you and send you all good wishes for yourself:)

[RuseInex]

immense is the measure here of poignant sorrow with the loss of the joy of a loved one while still alive while the memory still lives

[Chris Shaw]

Your thoughts here Ruselnex both understanding and thoughtful. Many thank yous for your visit.

Chris

[RuseInex]

you're welcome, this piece is a blessing to read

[RuseInex]

this poem makes me remember a special song sung and written for his Dear Mama, by famous artist, Juan Gabriel, https://youtu.be/8DE4H7bd0vs (Rocio Durcal), https://youtu.be/RgKqxLAhRKE (Juan Gabriel) which increases the sorrow/joy/poignancy for me when reading your poem

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I checked the link out and listened to that beautiful song sung with much passion.

Chris

[Edie Blue Starfish]

Chris, was a wonderful poem and so very moving.
This is just beautiful. Your mum will have loved this.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your thoughts Edie. Pleased you liked this little poem.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Beautiful and touching. Anyone who has lost their mother can relate. I lost mine in 2011 after five years of being her primary caregiver. We do what we can. Excellent write.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Fabian. Hope all is well with you. It's been a while but I am delighted to see you back on WC. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this one punched me in the gut...reminded me of my mom in her last years...

and what i would have wished for her...but at the very end, she did go peacefully.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

That's all we can hope for Jacob, is that the end is peaceful. Many thanks for your thoughts here.read moreThat's all we can hope for Jacob, is that the end is peaceful. Many thanks for your thoughts here.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

Beautiful thoughts Chris, you have painted a wonderful canvas that you will be able to refer to time and again in the future ... maybe you can describe it for her on one of her better days .

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Stella, it is lovely to see you here. You have been missed. Hope your recovery is going well. Mum doesn:t have many good days, she would rather not be here, but we all do our best for her. Thank you so much for your visit. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

Oh bless , i have heard so many dementia patients say that, my heart goes out to all of them.
Recovery is good , i have been reading a lot and more or less mastered the suduko now lol.
I keep popping on the site but nothing inspires me these days sadly ... i was thinking about writing another sonnet but my paintbrushes got in the way hahaha
l
Love and a gentle hug for your mum x

[Chris Shaw]

Oh thanks Stella. Enjoy whatever you are doing. Your poetry muse will come back when she is ready. Have fun despite this awful weather :)

[Stella Armour]

I will Chris, apart from being dull and drizzly our weather isn't too bad , i expect summer will come in with an unbearable heatwave lol ...

[Jade]

this is such a wonderful and beautiful write. Such a delight

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. Brandie Jade. Pleased you enjoyed the read.
read moreThank you so much for your thoughtful review. Brandie Jade. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Such a beautiful tribute to your dear mother Chris. Another perfect rhyming poem filled with sentiment and love. Really liked it despite the sadness.

[Chris Shaw]

Sad it maybe, but life is sad and continues to be sad for her. Thank you so much for your thoughts, really appreciated.

Chris