The Photo

[Helen Clancy]

The photo

In the photo, you look so pretty
in your yellow-print dress
smooth brown hair frames
your youthful face
brown eyes filled with hope.

But now you look like
a rag doll - washed too many times
tossed around in a tumble drier.
Your once slender figure
drooping and shapeless.

Your hair, now grey and lifeless.
Your life story written
in the lines on your face.
The unkind years disguise your
true nature - hide the beauty within.

Like a slave you have
washed and cooked,
cleaned and tidied.
Caring for all of our needs..
Neglecting your own.

Now I see a woman
of strength and courage.
Faithful to one man for fifty years.
Seldom seeking her own way
never looking for thanks.

How I wish
someone had told you
that you were beautiful.
Taught you to care for yourself
as well as for all of us.

.


All comments welcome

[PrinceMyshkin]

Such a gracious, heartfelt tribute! I wonder if you ventured to show it to the subject of it - your mother? Speaking as a father and grand-father, I can well imagine how her heart would soar on reading this.

[Helen Clancy]

Thanks PrinceMishkin,
No I haven't shown it to her!
Helen

[amanda_isabel]

it is indeed a heartfelt tribute, i have to agree with that. but i must say i didn;t really like your opening... i guess it's because it's so close to your title or something; i'm not really sure. but show it to her--she'll certainly appreciate it.

[Helen Clancy]

Thanks Amanda, for your comments. Other people have also said that the dont like the opening - so I think I will have to reconsider that..
Helen