A Mother's Farther Happy Thoughts Comic poem 201

 

 A newly-made widow, like Queen Victoria (12 syllables)

Can no longer enjoy a daily smile's euphoria  14

Can no longer feel the warmth of a passing hug 12

Nor supported by the erratic, so-called, constancy of love 16

When ogre, spectre Covid came sneaking along 12

It emptied every street, dispersing laughing throngs 12

We sat haunted, religiously, arguing from separate rooms 16

Near, though far, obsessed with loving our mutual pot plant blooms  15

We were imprisoned in the present 14

We travelled the world, sadly smiling on Zoom 11

But blocks of flats decided neighbours could still meet  12

And united the world with balconies of songs 12

If you are blessed to survive 7

You should be glad to be alive 8

When all the youngsters are again out having fun 12

You're wrinkled, old, bed-ridden, revered weekly as a wise one 15

Today when I am home alone 8

When half the world is half asleep 8

I look for a smart way 6

For love's illusions to keep 7

I'm way beyond young love's 6

Silly man-made illusion  7

And all that time-wasting 6

He loves me, loves me not, confusion 10

After all is said and done 7

My spouse is still the one 6

Who sends straightforward, sometimes angry, instructions 12

From miles away, I can shrug at any ructions 12

Yesterday my son came to visit 9

I am so pleased that he still cares 8 

For me, his wife and child, and ask if I've written a will 14

Hidden millions, and shares 6

After dinner, I bought, 'we three', like Macbeth's witches, went shopping 16 

My fingers sale-price almond croissant cropping 11

Strangers and shop assistants smile in the aisles, 11

I can cook a feast tomorrow from leftover crumbs of smiles 15

If for a moment no-one's beside me walking 12

They're obsessed with my cute grandchild, it's enough to be still talking 16

I can't be bothered arguing over shopping 12

I'm just glad my friendly credit card isn't credit stopping 15

Next day, I see a naughty fox left rubbish in the garden! 15

But I reverse my puzzled, pausing thoughts to pardon 13

To welcome proof something is alive and near 12

Just to be glad we living things are all still here 12

Last night my son supplied a farewell hug 10

At dawn, I hug, my warm, coffee mug 9

Address my plants, and laptops, no magic thoughts to miss 13

A stranger's poem blows a happy, hopping, hopeful kiss. 14

-ends-

Angela Lansbury 2023 Sunday 23rd July