MOTHER’S DAY Andy Anderson

Mother's Day

MOTHER’S DAY   Andy Anderson – 11/13/2011     

Every Sunday afternoon I leave my house and take a drive
out  to see my mother, at the home where she resides
It’s a very pleasant journey, when the weather is OK
and I’m proud to say I rarely fail to visit…. on that day

I arrive just after two, and check-in at the desk
where they tell me how she’s doing, as I sign in as a guest
The staff there is so friendly, and they know me every time
and remark on my devotion, as I tell them….I don’t mind     

I amble down the corridor, and pass the large dance hall
where residents take their meals, as the staff observes them all
I wonder if the bingo cage, was spun the night before
and if anybody ever really danced….....upon that floor

As I come to room 11,  I catch my sweet old mom
gazing out the window, watching robins on the lawn
As lightly as I can, I rap my fingers on the jamb
she turns and smiles, and asks me…… who I am…..

And I gather.. all my courage.. as my hopes, comes crashing down……
like Windows on the World.. lying shattered on the ground…….   
  
I tell her I’m her son and let the sadness fade away
I ask her how she’s doing, wish her happy Mother’s Day
She grins and tells me all about, a choir who came last night
children singing Christmas carols, little faces ………shining bright

And though I’ve heard this many times, I act as if it’s new
and hope she cannot hear, my heart snap again in two
I nod and I envision, children singing for my mum
unaware she’s their special ghost of Christmas… yet to come    

The visit passes slowly, and an aide stops by to say
it’s time for mom rest, but I am welcome any day
Mom’s grin dissolves, and she says she’s glad I came
and she asks me if I wouldn’t mind……telling her my name

The drive back home is somber, mixed with worry and despair
again she was no different, from the last time I was there
I recall the vibrant lady who so loved me every day
and how terribly I’ve missed her, ever since she…. went away….  

And I gather.. all my courage.. as my hopes, comes crashing down……
like Windows on the World.. lying shattered on the ground…….   
I know, next week I’ll return If not me, who else would go?
And I wish myself a very, merry, Mother’s Day….Ho ho ho…