A Mother’s Lament

posted in: Member Writing Features, Poetry | 0

By Kevin Drum.

 

Was that his voice I thought I heard?

The throaty chuckle and kindly word

I’m not expecting him today

He never tells me, but that’s his way

He knows my needs are not too much

A happy smile and tender touch

 

While shopping I saw him yesterday

Broad of shoulder and strong of limb

In perfect reflection it was him

I’ve got to run, I heard him say

I turn hand raised, but he’d slipped away

How I wish he had the time to stay

 

Balmy nights, lazy days on white sand

We’re on a tropical isle, hand in hand

He’s a little boy full of mischief and fun

We laugh and splash in the warming sun

As I awake he fades from view

With those precious three words – I love you

 

He wafts and wanes like a summer breeze

Eager to help and anxious to please

The cheeky wide grin and easy charm

The loving hugs wrapped in his arms

The days that matter are hardest of all

I dread their coming, the painful recall

 

In times of trouble when I’m feeling down

He’s there beside me, ever the clown

Be calm don’t worry, it will be alright

He soothes my soul and stills my fright

There in the shadows of a silver moon

He’s with me in the darkened room

 

In hushed tones we talk of days gone by

Of the joy and heartaches, it makes me cry

Take care of yourself he says with a smile

I’m with you forever, not just for a while

For I’m of you and you are me

In shared love we’re joined for eternity

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Drum is an avid aspiring writer. The eldest of seven children, he was born in 1944 in the tiny New Zealand town of Raetihi and emigrated to Australia in 1967. He satisfied his passion for big trucks working for truck companies, beginning as a mechanic and relief driver, then as a manager. From 1980 until his retirement in 2016, Kevin was in business, first in Mt Gambier, later in Melbourne.

A proud father of two wonderful daughters, with four granddaughters, and happily married to his beautiful wife of nearly twenty-five years, who also brought her two sons into his life, Kevin enjoys all types of reading, with a special interest in history and biographies. He enjoys sport and played rugby, but has now switched his allegiance to Australian Rules Football as a Sydney Swans supporter.

Kevin started writing ten years ago with letters to newspapers, commenting on current affairs which he continues to this day. He also commenced a personal memoir, but soon realised he needed guidance and skills improvement. He was a member of Melton Wordsmiths for several years, and joined Belmont Page/Geelong Writers after relocating in 2017 to enjoy life in retirement at Drysdale on the Bellarine Peninsula.

 

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