Gratitude

A breakthrough, what those moments can do for you.

So unexpected through the maze

and from the confines of her bed,

at last a pathway clears the haze.

Was it something that I said,

that made her stretch to touch my hand?

Her head leaned forward, not a word,

I heard her laughter as it broke.

Through all the smoke that fogs her mind,

the unkind battles she has fought.

I never thought once more I'd see,

my Mother's eyes smile back at me.

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This is so beautiful. I can see and understand it clearly. It hit home on a personal level too as I remember my own mother's days of rare lucidity when she could find her way through the fog. It's like watching a flower bloom right in front of your eyes. So touching. F.

[Chris Shaw]

When the fog clears, what a joy that can be. Thank you Fabian for your thoughts.

Chris

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'Gratitude'
Christine Anne Shaw,
The vision of hope and meaning this poem holds out;
it shows surprise welcomed in relation to a precious loved one.
I understand how we expect or think we understand the physical
condition of a parent when we are caring for them. Beautiful words:
"Her head leaned forward, not a word,
I heard her laughter as it broke.
Through all the smoke that fogs her mind,
the unkind battles she has fought.
I never thought once more I'd see,
my Mother's eyes smile back a t me.
This is greatly encouraging and I am so glad you shared it.
Thank you and bless you.
kathy

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kathy. At a time we thought our mother was lost to us forever in deep depression. She did come back to us, but not as she had been before and will never be again. We do still have her though and I am more than thankful for that.

Chris

[Kathy Van Kurin]

I appreciate how you have a perspective which sees the good. Love does that I think. I am happy that your family is blessed. Bless you too. Hope you are finding bits of sunshine in this early summer.
Kathy

[Anand Sehgal]

Very sensitive write. Time swallows us all. Only thing the helps us overcome the sense of ephemerality is the remembrance, a few long lasting good memories.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your kind response.

Chris

[charlie]

This is tremendously moving. ... I read this book one time: "100 poems to make grown men cry" or some such... This poem could've found a home in that volume.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. That is high praise indeed :)

Chris

[sette]

wow a heartwarming poem, the unconditional love of a mother towards her child cannot be equated and is indeed priceless

[Chris Shaw]

How right you are sette. Priceless is an excellent word to sum it up. Thank you.

[sette]

you are most welcome

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i watched my parents grow old and rarely have these lucid moments...appreciated each one when it happened...
they were married 70 years...my dad outlived her by a couple years and nearly made it to 98.
this touched me.

[Chris Shaw]

Following an operation for cancer, my mum turned from a vibrant, vital being, into a lady I could barely recognise. It happened so quickly, I found it devastating. That break through moment months later was almost overwhelming. Your parents had 70 years together, an incredibly long partnership. Mine had 40 years. Lost my Dad when he was 60. Thank you Jacob for reviewing.

[Delmar Cooper]

As a child browsing in the public library I found a one dollar bill in the pages of a book. Some work of very juvenile fiction long forgotten. In heavy ink over the great seal of the USA was written: "Tell no one, go and buy candy." But for some reason today after I read your poem "Gratitude" I thought I might tell you. I think that other writer, the anonymous candy giver, would approve.

[Chris Shaw]

I love your response and feel honoured that you have let me into your secret. We both understand the meaning of gratitude. As a small boy that dollar bill with the promise of candy, must have been like heaven to you. Thank you so much.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Catherine, your eloquent words touched me and brought me to tears. Yes, that moment of recognition, of love, from a suffering mother making peace- I know it and cherish it all too well. It both soothes and tears one apart remembering. Beautiful form, flow, language, cadence, rhyme. Profound and deeply moving write. Kudos!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Annette thank your your beautiful review and your understanding through experience of this sad situation which I feel sure many will relate to. I am Christine Anne, Annette. My daughter though is Catherine. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

So sorry for the name error!

[Chris Shaw]

No worries Annette. It's not a problem.

[Relic]

Those little moments can bring a ray of hope. Just a smile or that look in the eyes that says I'm still here can mean so much. I wish you the best.

[Chris Shaw]

Those moments when you have lost all hope can mean everything. Thank you for your kind review. If are ok with it, I'll send you a friend request. I've enjoyed your work.

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

Oh so touching and moving. It must be thriling to see an old or sick mother smile after a gap. It must feel magical. I can imagine it. Kudos for this fine poem from the heart.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks friend for your review.