WILMA SEVILLE

 

Dear Mommy,
 

I answered the phone and it was you

it was so good to hear your voice

we chatted for a long time

at the end you thanked me for calling you.

 

I cried for hours, tears wetting my pillow

I knew my suspicions were well founded

that all was not right with you.

 

My happiness shattered into little slivers

as I realized the demon dementia had set in

to rob me of the only mother I ever knew.

 

Years passed, letters flew back and forth from Dad

your input only shown by a shaky signature at the bottom

my telephone calls never reached you personally.

 

On that fall day, forever stamped in my mind

I tore open a letter from ”home” and learned of your death and burial.

 

For twenty-five years you’ve been gone

it’s time I wrote this letter poem for you, dear Mommy

to show the world how much you meant to me.

 

Your kindness and sweetness were my shield

against the arrows shot by fate  

you taught me, by example, to keep on going.

 

You are still within my mind, guiding me

your womanly grace, all wrapped up in a small frame.

 

I thank you for your wisdom and your love

which has stood the test of time.

 

 

Copyright©Wilma Seville2012


Editor's note:  When I was in my early thirities, I sent a letter to my parents telling them how much I appreciated their good care and told them what a good job they had done.  I have always been so grateful that I did that as life can take some strange turns.  As one ages, ones reflects back on one's life and appreciates all the good people who have influenced one's life.