Our Son Carl
Act I.
love is not raising my voice
when Carl drops a bowl
of microwave oatmeal on
our brand new stove
Act II.
love is not raising my voice
when Carl
vacuums his diamond ear stud
I dig through the dust bag and find it
Act III.
love is holding back tears
when Carl realizes tomorrow is
Valentine's Day ~ he misses having a partner
I listen as he repeats this mantra
tomorrow is just another day
tomorrow is just another day
O, Helen! These are telling of love indeed! How much love we notice when we take a moment to see. I am sending hugs for this poem and your sweet loving. And for this son, prayers for patience . . . .
ReplyDeleteGoodness, what you do for love ~ Not to raise your voice but to always encourage and support ~
ReplyDeleteMay your son finds his peace and journey ~ Happy Hearts Day ~
This is a poem every mother will understand. I have picked thru vacuum bags too. The oatmeal on the new stove. OMG. I hope by next Valentine's Day your son has a new Valentine! Meanwhile, he has a GREAT Mom!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful telling of what love is. May your son be blessed with the desire of his heart.
ReplyDeleteFirst, that's a fantastic response to "what is love", Helen. I am really enjoying reading the responses tonight.
ReplyDeleteSecond, the pictures! In the top one he looks to me like Anthony Bourdain, and on the bottom right, like Philip Seymour Hoffman!
I love the take on love from a mother's perspective. Act 3 is especially sweet.
ReplyDeleteA most positive attitude you've shown in all the instances, Helen! It augers well for a wonderful environment for growing up! Not many mothers had taken the trouble to adjust! Nicely!
ReplyDeleteHank
smiles. its the hard kind of love...taking the other into consideration before us...not letting our own frustrations or hurt come out...that last stanza as well is so tender...smiles...happy valentines helen...
ReplyDeleteIt hurts so much when your children hurt! I will try to remember your Act I and Act II the next time something breaks, spills etc. in my house!!
ReplyDeleteTouching indeed. - I've been there with the missing diamond earring before!
ReplyDeleteThe last is heartbreaking, Helen...I actually despise this holiday for what it can do to some who have not found their, "one," yet. You're an awesome, Mom. ♥
ReplyDeleteOh yes, you were right! I loved it! :) Sweet, sweet poem...love, indeed! :)
ReplyDeleteNothing like the love of a mom. This is love.
ReplyDelete... I totally understand. My 20 year old son asked a girl he is sweet on out for the 14th. She said "no". ;( My heart aches for him... it is SO hard. (ha ha.... the stove is NOT love)
ReplyDeleteLuv is patient and is kind or its not love at all. Nice one Helen
ReplyDeleteMuch💜love
A beautiful write about what is and isn't love!
ReplyDeleteThis is incredibly touching, Helen! You are a wonderful, wonderful mother 💝💝
ReplyDeleteFinding the spiritual through the familiar here, Helen. Powerful memories and a wonderful reminder of how to love beyond the moment. Wonderful to see you, as well.
ReplyDeleteThis touched my heart, Helen! I hope he finds love again soon ❤️
ReplyDeleteYour poetry always brings a light touch with it,Helen, even when it shows us the sadder things that make up a life lived fully. Loss is one of them, and a child's pain is always harder and sadder to bear than one's own. I love the details as well, like the diamond stud, that show us the nature of love.
ReplyDeleteA moving poem on how love manifests itself - especially a mother's love.
ReplyDeleteOh, Helen! This is so touching. I could feel you holding back the angry words out of love for your son. A parent feels a child's heartbreak (whatever the age). I hope he finds another love. 💙
ReplyDeleteOh, that's beautiful, Helen <3 What lovely photos of him too :-)
ReplyDelete