A Mother’s Love

To poem to my son, Harry

Photo by Zoran Kokanovic on Unsplash

Switch off the lights, for God’s sake
And clear the decks and halls
Bring me candles, hide my age
And mute the busy malls

Lay some carpet, lay it thick
Let there be hushed tones
Slow my heartbeat, stop the tears
Harry’s coming home

You know those lines beneath my eyes?
The thin ones, oh so fine?
Just a few lost love lines
Were there before you left

There’s one more now that cuts real deep
And reaches to my cheek
Dim those lights, fetch the candles
Let me hide my grief

It’s been five years. I know I’ve aged
And what of you, my son?
I don’t do Zoom. I hate the phone
Though WhatsApp can be fun

But son, I’ve missed you five long years
The years have not been kind
Fetch me candles, turn out the lights
Let me hide my grief