
I love how you collected figurines
protected in glass shelves
displayed in elegance
right next to children’s toys.
McDonalds Happy Meal Figures
of the Peanuts gang or Spider-Man
alongside expensive lead crystals
delicate sparkling swans
on tiny hexagonal mirrors.
The expensive Matador bought in Spain
next to the porcelain figurine
of a shy looking girl
which was a present for me from Father.
I brought her home with me after your funeral.
Thank you for taking care of her.
All of those things were precious in your eyes.
Your collection of sugar spoons
and souvenir keychains from each
US state that dad visited on his business trips.
Framed butterflies that you caught by hand
swirled seashells, precious stones and geodes
you taught me to love crystals and nature.
You loved tiny and cute things
glistening jeweled pins and plastic toys
saved side by side in your curio cabinet.
I wish I had placed the rainbow quartz heart
in your smooth, ice polished hands
when I cried over your casket.
I wanted to Mama but I was afraid
that they wouldn’t let me.
E-moh (aunt) sobbed hard and asked,
“Sister, why are your hands so cold?”
I hugged her and later gave her
an old photo of you with all of your sisters.
Your beauty and grace radiate in those pictures.
I should’ve completed the rose quartz necklace
that I wanted to make for you
it would have perfectly matched your pink suit.
My sister placed a diamond peacock pin
on your label but I knew that she was allowed to
because she wasn’t the black sheep like me.
I shouldn’t have cared how they reacted
or how they prevented me from loving you
as I could only do
because there is no other me
and there is no other you
and no one else can understand
our relationship but us.
I love you Mama.
Beautiful and wonderful words shared dear Judy. I love when you wrote with a tender pen.
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Thank you, John 💖🙏
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You are welcome dear Judy.
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This feels so personal and relatable at the same time, the best of both worlds. And your love shines through your words!
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Hi Benjamin, I appreciate your thoughtful compliment 🙏🙂I was in a memoir writing workshop and the teacher said the more details you include, the universal/relatable it becomes. I thought that was ironic but true. I think generally people are more alike than different. ❤️
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This made me smile, my mom does the same thing, she has her fine china and crystal displayed along with Star Wars glasses from the 70’s and little Red Rose figurines not to mention a red lobster bottle opener. It looks odd to me but I guess it is deeply meaningful to her. I didn’t think anyone else did that. I’ve enjoyed your poems about your mom, they demonstrate your respect and love for her. Take care.
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Hi Kathy, I was just responding to a comment about how alike the human experience is and how it becomes more noticeable when writers include the specific details. Your comment validates that idea. I can picture your mom’s display, it probably looks just like my mom’s 🙂. So sweet. I agree the objects mean something to the one displaying them, mom’s have their own wonderful logic. 💖
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