Maternal Love

The Oaks Residential Home, visiting my aunt

Lily sits in a high back chair
her vacant eyes stare into limbo
soft music plays in the background
her ears do not hear the notes
she has a pink scarf at her throat
hiding her wrinkled skin
on her chest her baby rests
snuggled in a shawl
a mother’s tenderness
can’t be mistaken
her thin fingers caress that child
with delicate slow movement
over and over again
and no one can prise that doll
from her even though
the lunch bell rings

Reviews

[Jansy]

Chris, this is tender and quietly devastating. You’ve captured something profoundly human in such simple, unadorned language, showing how love persists even when memory has faded.

The image of her “thin fingers caress that child… over and over again” holds both heartbreak and grace. It’s not just about age or illusion; it’s about how care, once learned, never truly leaves us. A deeply moving portrait of love that endures beyond reason.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jansy. It was a special moment captured. It taught me a great deal. Your thoughts are very much appreciated.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Beautiful work. Soft and tender.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Thomas for your visit.

[Ted Kniffen]

The image in your poem resonates with me Chris ... having watched my mother struggle with dementia for years. Amazing hoe the mind works even in the throes of it's wreckage a cognizant thought could somehow pop in.

Well done ... if a trifle sad.

Not a pleasant experience for anyone.

Take care.
Ted

[Chris Shaw]

It was a sad moment Ted. One that will stay with me. Dementia is an awful disease. Thank you so much.

Chris

[emmajoygreen]

Life is c an be cruel start to finish: here you have more than a visual finish, Chris. Have seen similar.. and it knocks one's own sadness or stress into both gutter or ditch. Finely written as always. Tears

[Chris Shaw]

A very memorable moment Em. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

Chris

[Desert Knave]

The imagery here is so vivid. Great write. ~Jim

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you enjoyed the poem Jim. All the best.

Chris

[Marcelino Tagaca Jr.]

Your piece is quietly heartbreaking and profoundly human. You capture the fragile intersection of memory, love, and loss with such tenderness. Lily’s world—silent, slow, and wrapped in illusion—reveals the enduring power of a mother’s instinct, even when time and reason have faded. The image of her cradling the doll, unaware of everything else, becomes a symbol of unconditional love that refuses to let go. It’s a melancholy yet deeply compassionate portrayal of aging, memory, and the love that survives them both.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Marcelino for your visit. Your thoughts are very much appreciated.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Heartbreaking scenario. I have been to memory care facilities and seen exactly what you describe here. The doll is their baby....and they love it as if it were real. Very well written, Chris. Kudos to you for visiting your aunt. Too often family forgets those who are housed in a facility. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Try to visit my aunt when I can. She has no children of her own Lydi**. I see much there, that touches the heart. Lily will always be memorable and taught me a lesson too. Thank you so much.


Chris

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Such a bitter-sweet piece... to age and still hold to the very instincts and sentiments that made us feel most useful, loved, alive even has to be love trying to remember itself. Wonderfully affecting.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Travis. I appreciate your time. All the best.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Beautiful and tender write with words of maternal love that extends into forever ;-]

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your warm words Willow. Lovely to have a visit from you today.

Chris

[RomaJ]

Chris, this poem is beautifully tender and quietly powerful. I love how you capture the enduring instinct of maternal love--the way her hands caress the doll over and over conveys devotion that transcends memory or circumstance. The details, from the pink scarf to the soft music in the background, make the scene vivid and emotionally resonant. A poignant reminder that love can persist even when the world fades around us.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you RomaJ. Yes this poor soul was broken in every other way, but she still knew by instinct maternal love. It was a really poignant and tender moment to watch. Your review much appreciated.

Chris