Another letter to my mother about the world today

Quick Letter to Mom

I wrote a letter to you in March 2012.
You’d been gone for six years then.
Now six years later, in 2018, I’m writing again.
You are never far from my thoughts,
though sometimes I wish you were.
You wouldn’t like the world now;
too many conflicts, not enough listening,
too little praying, everyone out for themselves.
Togetherness has been lost in a world
of smartphones and online porn.
Probably best you can’t see my tattoo.


© 2018 Catherine Woods

I Missed My Mother's Birthday

I Missed Your Birthday

January 16th came and went without pause.
You aren’t here, so I forgot your birthday.
So close to Christmas, presents were usually unsurprising
or undesired frivilousness. Chocolate was not an option
in the later years; you’d lost whatever ‘sweet tooth’ you had.
I’m not sure when you lost your desire to live. You seemed
so happy after Father’s difficult passing on. You struck out on you own:
bought a condo, a new car, and travelled. Then it was gone too soon,
losing your grip on happiness. I think you were lonely as all your friends
had left this earth or lived thousands of miles away. You went when you
couldn’t hold on any longer; what you were holding on for, I will never know.
Maybe you wanted to tell me ‘your secret’. I wish you had.
Then I could give you the best birthday present ever,
my forgiveness and my love forever.


© 2018 Catherine Woods

New Year, New Path, Same Determination

Past Todays

Today opens with promise and a brightness free born
Today will end with a wolf moon and cold like dark chocolate
In between may the hours envelop all reality with a permanence of purpose
And a late mother’s warmest hug.


© 2018 Catherine Woods