A Mother's Lament Poem by Marquita Lawson

Where does the laughter go?
The dancing glances of teasing,
Gestures of pleasing…where does it go?

All the years of growing, being aware…
But not really knowing -
That the nest would empty soon.
Where does time go?

In the depths of my soul, a sadness grows -
From the separation of roots - eternal bonds -
That were not meant to break...why does it ache?

How do I fill a hole with depth so great -
That mothers don't anticipate at a child's birth?
Nothing is so deep and wide -
To begin to replace what's missing inside…

For an answer I prayed.

The only recourse is to adjust my stride…
Convince myself; put aside my pride -
And admit that my feelings lied.

But I still don't know…
Where does the laughter go?

1990