An Eye For Details (A Poem For My Mama)

AN EYE FOR DETAILS

(June 24, 2010)

- For My Mama -

To know the exact time you were born,

How much you weighed,

The color of your eyes.

To try to put into words the delight

And surprise.

A mother remembers all.

To take note of how much vitamins you have to take,

The amount of milk or solid food you ate,

The sound of your sighs

As she cools down a fever,

The doctor’s replies.

A mother remembers all.

To recall the words of a story

The one you most like,

The description and color

Of your favorite trike,

Your list of milestones

She stores in her mind.

A mother remembers all.

To get to know who your teachers are,

And to say hello to your friends,

The books that you need

And the list never ends.

She keeps track of all these,

A mother remembers all.

To store in her memory

The way to make you smile

How to soothe your first heartbreak

For that boy who walks by

To embrace you in ways

She only knows how,

A mother remembers all.

Photographs of childhood,

Mementos of all you’ve done

Diplomas and letters

She’s kept every one

She holds all these close to her heart

A mother remembers all.

The necklace and earrings

She’s always meant for you to have

Now unearthed from a box

Of treasures she has had.

She watches as you walk away to do work,

A mother remembers all.

A wedding dress and a cake

How you’ll do your hair

Right by your side, she’ll always be there

The very day you walk down

The aisle to your prince

A mother remembers all.

The day you discover

You’re expecting a child

She buys little booties,

In baby item –shopping goes wild

She teaches with patience

How to carry your little one

A mother remembers all.

Right at this point

There is poetry and bliss

There is nothing on earth like

Mom’s love, Mom’s kiss.

To this day she’s my hero

And true friend,

One to trust,

Ma, I’ll always remember all.