'Hello, Mom' Poem by Gary Vanderbur

As I entered her room, a white-hot mix of emotions coursed through me.
I took her hand, leaned over and kissed her.

'Hello, Mom.'

She squeezed my hand and smiled.

'Hello, Son.'

Sitting down, I couldn't take my eyes off her.
The memories of a lifetime bubbled up unchecked.

All the good,
All the bad,
All the happy,
All the sad.

We sat quietly, holding hands, our eyes speaking volumes between us.

'I love you, Mom'

'I love you, too, son.'

What a pleasant afternoon we had.

The call came around nine that evening.

One by one, we met in her room and took our turns saying goodbye.

I took her hand, leaned over and kissed her.

'Goodbye, Mom. I love you.'

How I yearned for her to squeeze my hand and smile.

'Goodbye, son. I love you, too.'

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(by Gary W. Vanderbur
© August 14,2006
Write Naturally Publishing House
... a division of VAN Enterprises)