Lately the old mothers
have been slipping from their places
falling, dying
vacating strategic positions
leaving gaps
in the front line
A new generation
of matriarchs is needed
to organize the family dinners
the baby showers and the anniversaries
to send the birthday cheques
There's a call for fresh recruits
a newly commissioned troop
of kneeling warriors
arms raised in petition and praise
blessing the infants and the in-laws
interceding for the prodigals
alert watch women
guarding the walls of the family
© 2007 - V. Nesdoly
*************
This is for all us daughters who have lately become motherless - especially Glynis, whose mother died a few days ago.
Well girls, we're it now.
Encouraging InScribe members to share their writings with each other and the world
This is beautiful Violet! It reminds me so much of my hospitable, praying, serving mother. I am so blessed to still have her. Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeletePam
I've been "it" for nearly five years, and so aware of the responsibility. I miss my mother and her grand dinners and loving heart. I can see my daughter taking over the hostessing, the organizing, but she does not know Jesus nor raise her arms in "petition and grace" -- and this is the greatest gap of all.
ReplyDeleteA great poem, Vi!
not quite done yet,
elsie
Thank you ladies! Last year was a notable one for me as four matriarchs (my m.i.l., Mom and two aunties) died within a few months. And - I don't feel mature enough to play their role!
ReplyDeleteHi Violet,
ReplyDeleteJust found this one from you. Excellent! I don't think we ever feel old enough, but this poem is oh so true. It is time now for us to call those much younger than I am, for my time will seem as a moment. We must always train the younger ones.
Bless you.
Thank you, Iris!
ReplyDeleteHaving just passed the first anniversary of my mom's death, I so needed to read this. Thank you Violet for your blessed words.
ReplyDeleteDonna
Good poem, Violet - have you read Luci Shaw's poem (I think it's in The Petoski Stone) about our parents dying? She refers to it as climbing a ladder and suddenly finding that there is no-one above, that we are now standing on the top rung with nothing to grasp above. It's an apt description I think.
ReplyDelete:)M
Thanks, Violet. My tears well as I consider your words and the task before me. I feel ill equipped on my own. I thank the Lord that He is on guard and preparing us for the position. Matriarch...hmmm...not a title I have pondered for yours truly. I appreciate your wise and gentle nudge. Blessings, Glynis
ReplyDelete