A Tribute to a Woman

You were always there for me

But one day you were gone

Did I ever tell you

That I loved you?

.

The times were different

You lived through the war

Teenage years troubled

by curfews and restrictions

You rarely spoke of them

Were the memories too harsh?

Freedom came

And so did your opportunities

You could have been a teacher

But you chose to marry him

Who became my father

A hard life on the farm

Just like your mother’s

Fighting spirit replaced by tears

now and then

You brought us into the world

Held my hand, too

Encouraging me to be something more

Nurturing knowledge and spirit

There were many emotions

Though we rarely showed them

Wasn’t it Christian not to embrace?

We grew up and became whole people

Learning how others could give hugs

And a kiss on the cheek

To love each other

And show it, truly

Only later in life did you accept

Our feelings in this way

When dementia gnawed at your brain

And weakened your courage

When your husband no longer

Controlled your world

And your frail mind

Couldn’t form the words

I love you

The words we never heard

.

I was always there for you

Even until the end

As the only one

You remembered

It was your way

Of saying “I love you”

You were my mother!

.

Author's Note

This poem is written with deep love and sorrow, inspired by the memories of my mother, who passed away in 2013. Though many years have passed, her life and our complex relationship remain close to my heart. Writing these words was an emotional process, filled with both tears and love. Through this poem, I seek to honour her memory and shed light on the quiet sacrifices she made, as well as the love that often went unspoken between us.