A Mother's Shadow, a Daughter's Light

In a land of eucalyptus dreams, where crimson earth meets sapphire skies,

I sense the memories of my mother's gaze, tender yet unyielding,

The lilt of her voice, lilac breeze on honeyed days,

But O, the bitterness that grew, for I was deemed second best,

Her love, a russet apple with a worm inside the chest.

~ ~ ~

The touch of her silken apron, as I held her close to me,

A phantom echo of a warmth that refused to set me free,

For her love, like a tyrant, held me captive in my cage,

Whilst the world outside, in vibrant hues, evolved and took the stage.

~ ~ ~

In defiance, I chose a bride, one that mother's heart did loathe,

Yet the sweetness of her lips, like nectar, drowned her harsh reproach,

Her breath, like zephyrs of a summer's eve, against my face did dance,

Our love grew strong, like ancient oaks, against the storm's advance.

~ ~ ~

And so, we fled from mother's grasp, to a wild and distant shore,

Where golden wattle whispers tales of love, forevermore,

The scent of eucalyptus wafting 'cross the arid plains,

A salve to soothe the wounds that time and distance failed to mend.

~ ~ ~

With hearts entwined, we breathed this air, our love a song of fire,

And in this haven, far away, was born our heart's desire,

A daughter, who with eyes like stars, brought joy to our abode,

Her laughter, sweet as bellbirds' song, in emerald forests flowed.

~ ~ ~

I cherished her, my beauteous child, the love I never knew,

In every touch, her soft embrace, a healing balm I drew,

And in her face, I found my mother's gaze, the love that was denied,

For in this distant land, our hearts were free to soar and glide.

~ ~ ~

So now I stand, with tear-filled eyes, upon this sunburnt shore,

The taste of salty ocean mist, a testament of yore,

With love as fierce as wildfire's blaze, my daughter's hand I hold,

In her, my heart's salvation lies, my story now unfolds.