Thursday 25 April 2013

DEAR MOTHER

Mother dear,

I meant to write every day, I truly did...
you are always in my thoughts....
I miss your laugh, your smile, 
I even miss your rousing at me 
for not chopping the wood. 
I know I promised that once I got home 
you would never have to do it again.

Did you get the poppy I sent you? 
They are such a beautiful bright red
and I know how much you love them. 
I hope the censor didn't take it out of the envelope.
I forgot to say Thank You for the socks
I know they took you a long time to knit them all
I hope you don't mind, but I gave a pair to my mate
His boots leaked, but the socks helped. 

I promised to fix the fence as well
I am sorry, Mother, I really am,
but it's good that you got our neighbour in
you might need him to help a bit more.
You taught me never to break a promise
but sometimes, you can't help it.

I'm sorry, Mother, that I can't see your smile
I long for your arms around me, I'm cold
as I sleep among the poppies in a Flanders field
No need to keep knitting, Mother
I have enough socks now
Sorry, Mother, for not keeping my promises
Today, I did write, with all my love.

(c) Crissouli


                                            (c) chrismilne


6 comments:

  1. Oh, the tears fall. Beautifully written Chris.

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  2. So evocative Chris, it would reduce anyone to tears. All those poor mothers, wives and sweethearts.

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    Replies
    1. I can't imagine how hard it would be to get that dreaded telegram... i used to cry my eyes out as a child when I looked at all the familiar family names on the war memorial... so many, and we only lived in a small village.

      I hope that we never have to go through such agony.

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  3. Thank you Chris, a sad story written so beautifully.

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