Soon to Fly
She lies like a helpless bird
eyes closed, tiny now and frail.
Immaculate as ever
in her pristine nightie and pearl earrings.
My voice pulls her back from her dreams.
Taking her hand, she smiles
confused and hardly audible .
She knows it’s me.
Ignoring protocol i join her on her bed.
Cradled in my arms as Jim Reeves sings
“I love you because you understand me”
My father’s favourite, the dam breaks.
Locked in that moment
For eternity…
Stroking her hair she suddenly tells me
I must eat. A mother to the last.
I am not hungry.
Then , “Its getting dark Al,
you better go home to be safe.”
She cannot see the sunlight streaming in
nor the abundant flowering cherry at the window,
whispering of endless spring times
and seasons.
Nor the River Nairn flowing on in the distance
that speaks of the river of life and death
and our blessed part in it all.
Inwardly I pray
” Angels gather round her now.
Let her see your glory before she leaves
Then…bear her up gently in your tender arms
Cossetted by love both here and there”
She’s getting ready to fly.
splendid! powerful write
xx
Thank you Nic.
Away from home so just struggling to put the poem on. It’s written yesterday after seeing my mum. Xxx
A beautiful heartfelt poem, Alison. Like me, many have been there in that difficult, though sadly, inevitable situation – wishing you well through it all – never easy.
Trevor x
Thanks Trevor Yes another of life’s challenges most have to face. It needs some tweaks and possibly trimming but because i am away from home and using tiny keyboard of my phone, I am having difficulty with spacing and so i will leave it till i get home.
I have just started to oil the creative
wheels again after a long hiatus so thought better to get it down anyway.
Greetings to you from Nairn in the Scottish Highlands.
HA x
A poignant and excellent poem, Alison. It shows your love and the anguish you feel at the thought of her departure. Be strong.
In the days when UKA was vibrant and full of enthusiasm it would have received a worthy nib.
Luigi x
Dearest Luigi
Bless you for your kind words. I cannot express how much they mean at this sad time.
Alison x
Heartfelt times as I went thought this with my mother. Thoughts are with you. I wrote something similar in 2016 https://ukauthors.com/2016/09/05/step-into-the-light/
Mitch! So good to hear from you again. I remember your poem. It was beautiful. For some strange reason my dear old mum still has not stepped into the light. She’s fully aware at times she’s going, at other times calling for her mother. It’s a truly heartbreaking thing to witness and one so many of us have shared. I have had to return to Edinburgh for things were building up here but fully expect I will be heading north again before too long. She has cheated death on so many occasions , she’s fondly called Lazerus…but this delay is… Read more »
It is never easy – I did a vigil for mum, dad and an uncle. Three times, I spent days there until exhausted I came home and as soon as I stepped over the threshold the phone rang. Three times. The nurses said it was very common even for people in the deepest coma to wait until their loved ones are gone.
Yes. I was aware and think that is what she chose to do. It was many days of torment as she had all the obvious signs of being in the dying process, including seeing relatives in the room, change of breathing etc etc.
It was actually weeks of emotional turmoil and agony for all concerned. When she finally left I entered a state of unnatural calm that saw me through.
It is now that the loss becomes apparent.
Thanks for sharing.
Alison xxx
She cannot see the sunlight streaming in nor the abundant flowering cherry at the window, whispering of endless spring times and seasons. Nor the River Nairn flowing on in the distance that speaks of the river of life and death and our blessed part in it all. Beautiful and moving passage, Stormy, the whole a lovely tribute to your mum. It must have been wonderful that she recognized you in the way that she did so that you could share such precious moments. I’m no longer active on here but do check what’s happening to the site at times, so… Read more »
Hi Shelagh I am SO very sorry to take so long to reply to your lovely comment. I have not been well since mum died…everything went to hell and I ended up with a chest infection. Yes, few read poetry with the depth you do…I was indeed blessed by the many hours just sitting by her side and the times she told me things she never said over all the years. They were parting gifts to my broken heart. It does not matter how old someone is when they pass on. To those who love them the loss is scalding… Read more »
Epic styled and tremendously beautiful write. Your style is special. The language is very rich and “full-flavoured”. I belive I can tell that you have some talent … 🙂
Hi Omecronon12 🙂
Again, profuse apologies as to the lateness of my reply. See above my reply to belcanto.
I am only now trying to get on with things. I am pacing myself and I know there must be several poems waiting to be written but the energy has not been there. I love the look of the site and hope to be back contributing in a useful manner soon. 😉
Thanks again.
Alison x