A Mother's Day Poem

My very first (and only) attempt at a Mother's Day poem. How I got around to this was, my younger brother came up to me one day and said that he needed me to help him choose a Mother's Day card--one with 'nice' words. I don't know what made me do it, but I just told him there and then that I'd write the words for him instead.

Forgive me, Ma

for these hands

that weren't there to help you stand,

for leaving you at a loss

when you needed me most.

Forgive me, Ma

for these eyes

that refused to cry

even as you broke down in tears

for all those heart-breaking years.

Forgive me, Ma

for this icy heart

that refused to melt, even now as we part,

for all those prodigal years

of girls and beers.

Forgive me, Ma

I wish for nothing more than to turn back time,

so I can say "I love you" while you're still fine.

I just want to say, as I hold your palm,

"Happy Mother's Day, from your son."