On My Birthday: A Poem For Mama!

For Mama on my 46^th birthday.

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“Not Today”

Thoughts of fresh flowers remind me of you

Nature’s sweet nectar and memories ensue

The last time I saw you I knew things were final

Your Maker was coming for an outcome too viral

News of your passing would soon have to spread

Mon Dieu, it was awful…my Mama was dead

For reasons unknown and things too surreal

My life had changed – such a contemptible ordeal

I knew it would happen this much is true

But not in the manner in which you bid your adieu

For your passing you deserved quiet with a nice, warm bed

But the monster that is cancer and chaotic took you instead

Robbed of time and so many dear memories to come

I just stood there and watched – I was much too numb

How did this happen I wondered inside

I wanted to run and forever to hide

But that’s not how you raised me so I needed to stay

One day I will see you... just not today.

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(Guzman and Puentes family - thanks for the flowers which helped inspire this poem)