They say there are only two sure things in life; death and taxes. Neither are any fun, but the former is the most painful, especially when one you love stands on the threshold and waits for the door to open. Letting go is never easy, but when the end is near for a loved one you’ve known your entire life–a parent–and you know it, there is no deeper cut.
It’s Momma
She goes to see her often these days
The reports are never good
Sometimes better than the last one
But she knows–we know–the time draws near
We talk about how it’s for the best
At least she won’t suffer any more
Just trying to be strong… get ready to let her go
She’s visiting her today
Said she needed to talk to her alone
Decisions about care need to be made
She wants to make sure she understands
What hospice and other words mean
Her mind is still sharp, she says
But… I think… she’s just tired of hurting
I can’t imagine how it must feel
To say those words… to see it coming
The dark storm gathering
The funnel cloud of death descending
Knowing you can’t stop it
Any more than you can stop the phone from ringing
Or the tears from falling… when the day comes
Each time the phone rings
I look at her, and she looks at me
We know one day it will ring; she’ll answer
A voice on the other end will speak
And I’ll know… before she even hangs up the phone
Before she lifts her tear-filled eyes to mine
Before she says the words…
It’s Momma…
Copyright © 2013 C Mashburn
I wrote this poem this morning after Sherry left to visit her Momma in Houston. When I saw Claudia’s prompt for the dVerse Poets Pub’s Poetics feature, I couldn’t believe the prompt; “Letting Go”. I waited until Sherry got home, so she could read it and tell me it was okay to post it.
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brian miller said
dang man…hard to even think on…seeing our parents pass into old age and beyond…those thoughts every time the phone rings…appreciate the time you have with her while you do…i am glad she is going to see her…it is good for both i imagine..
charlesmashburn said
Yes, it is hard to think on. A part of life though.
siggiofmaine said
My heart to yours, I’m at a loss for words…thank you for sharing
one of the deepest and hardest losses a person has to bear.
To Sherry and you, may memories of happy times with Momma bring
peace to your hearts and souls. I am so sorry.
Peace and love,
Siggi
charlesmashburn said
Thank you very much for the heartfelt comment, Siggi.
Heaven (@asweetlust) said
Lovely share Charles ~ It must heart breaking to wait and hear the words ~ I like the metaphor of the dark clouds gathering, a foreboding in the distance ~
charlesmashburn said
It certainly is a hard thing to do. Thank you for the kind comment.
heidi said
Okay, you made me cry. This poem hit home. I love the build-up to the phone call that hasn’t happened yet, but you know it will. You have illustrated what can be so cruel for family members: the waiting, the anxiety, the uncertainty, the dread. Finally, that she’s “Momma”, not “mom” or “mother” emphsizes how childlike and vulnerable we can be in this situation. (and that y’all are also southern)
charlesmashburn said
Yes’m, we’re southern. Sherry has always caled her mother Momma.
Susan L Daniels said
Charles, this spoke so loudly to me. Bless you guys.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Susan.
zongrik said
can’t stop the phone from ringing or the tears from falling, i can relate to that.
prima donna cat fight
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for ng by, Tammy. I appreciate the visit and comment.
Kelvin S.M. said
…a delicate write filled with heavy emotions… and i can only sigh… what tough times to go through .. i intially thought of home care for the aged when i read this and that saddens me more.
good day!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Kelvin. Your comments are always appreciated.
Polly Robinson said
They leave too soon ~ too soon
charlesmashburn said
Unfortunately true. Thank you, Polly.
MarinaSofia said
This is very moving. You use such simple words, such a conversational style, and yet manage to convey all the unspoken and dreaded. Maybe it’s the ellipsis…
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the kind words. My writings–poetry, stories, articles, encouragements, and novels–are usually written in the same voice I speak with. I am simple in my approach to life, and tend to write in a simple conversational tone, as if I am talking to the reader, or telling him/her a story face-to-face.
Thank you again for the visit and comment!
ManicDdaily said
Hi Charles, so awful to know those calls are coming. As you may know, I’ve been very involved in the care, even long-distance, of my parents–a fair amount of rushing back and forth–and it is truly terrible to get these things. I have been in situations of immediately rushing for a plane – kind of awful, but I feel lucky that I’ve had the flexibility when it counted.
(One typo – I think you mean “former” at the beginning rather than “latter?” This confused me anyway for a minute.) Thanks for heartfelt poem. k.
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for catching the mess-up, k! I appreciate it!
Yes, I am aware of your situation, and feel your pain. I am on the outside looking in at ours, but amuch invested, as when Sherry is hurting, I am hurting, too.
Thanks for the visit and comment.
claudia said
i understand now that you first wanted to ask sherry if it’s ok to post…def. a moving write charles..so hard to know how that final letting go is coming closer and closer….sending blessings your way..
charlesmashburn said
Yes, not something I wanted her to just “find” on my blog or get in and email.
Thanks, Claudia.
Mary said
I’ve been there, Charles. You captured the feelings/experience as it is. One of the most difficult things. You know the call will come. It’s inevitable, so very hard to prepare to let go.
charlesmashburn said
A sad part of life, Mary.
Thanks for the visit and comment.
Gretchen Leary said
The fear of death is one very hard to let go off.
charlesmashburn said
I’m not afraid of it, but I hate to see people in pain.
Thanks, Gretchen.
Gretchen Leary said
That’s a good point. I guess I’m the one afraid of it =\
charlesmashburn said
Most people are, I just never have been.
Sabio Lantz said
Those phone calls, that waiting == very tough.
Tears or relief? What are we allowed to feel?
charlesmashburn said
A good question, Sabio. A little–maybe a lot–of both.
lucychili said
argh i am so not ready for that. i guess noone is.
charlesmashburn said
Not something we can truly ever be ready for.
Thanks for the visit and comment, Lucy.