A poem for my mother

I haven't written a poem since I was 18 and I am not sure that this one is any good - but even with Chemo Brain - I penciled this yesterday as a present for my mother as she will be leaving Germany soon. It is also her birthday - but I have been sworn to secrecy!

A poem for my mother, Sneh Basudev

I thought you didn’t love me
I am sorry but it’s true
I watched my gran and dad die
Then with England I was through.
 
In youth I was a wild one,
Or at least until twenty-one,
But everyone still remembers that
And not what I have become.

 
Mum, I made it in the Financial Times
And you hid it from the world,
I worked and worked and succeeded in business
But you never spoke a word.
 
I am afraid it is true,
That whatever you do,
If you are not a Doctor in Indian culture
Your life is through.
 
When I found out I had the lump,
I thought you wouldn’t jump,
I thought you wouldn’t come
I thought you wouldn’t come.
 
But you came over for the operation
And now it’s been six months
You held my hand during chemo
You blessed these past six months.
 
You helped me up the stairs,
You cooked my meals with love
You juiced the best pears
You have been a dove.
 
Mum, now I know you love me.
I am sure you always did,
I thought you wanted a boy
And he would have given you joy.
 
I am sure now that I am sorry,
I know I made you worry
When I was young and wild
But that is being a child.
 
My mum, now I feel I know you
These past six months have been vital
You are love, joy, caring, sharing and most of all praying
Thank-you sweet mother, you are very loving.
 
 

Comments

[Kavita GANDHI]

Hi Bena,

This is so honest and touching and who says you are not a poet :o). Wish your Mum a Wonderful Birthday today and hope you all have a great day. Hope you are feeling a bit better today and not too weak, will keep in touch with you always.
Take care for now.
Kind Regards and Love,
Kavita

[Anders]

Dear Bena,

Thinking of you.

Anders

[kumari bowry]

dear bena,
what a beautiful tribute to my sister from her loving daughter.You are a great writer and also a poet now. my birthday is in august and I will have a poem too. My hugs and kisses to ian, Kintan and Isha and of course my sister.

love you always

kumari aunty and bindo uncle

[Larena Tucker]

Dear Bena,
Touching poem!
You are so lucky to have a wonderful mom! She is blessed to have you as her beautiful daughter!
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Larena

[Shaila]

Hey Bena B. Your comments are always so authentic and powerful--just like you. I love you my cousin...Shaila

[Olivia Gibney]

Hi Bena

I'm sure your mum will love your poem. Give her my love and I hope she has a lovely birthday. This must be an awful time for her too but I bet she's pleased she's been able to be there for you.

Thinking of you,
love, Olivia xx

[Susie T Szembek]

crying bc this is so lovely