Sunday, July 10, 2016

Mother, Edith, at 98--By Michael Lee Johnson--United States

Mother, Edith, at 98

Edith, in this nursing home you're
blind with macular degeneration─
I come to you with your blurry
eyes, crystal sharp mind,
your countenance of grace─
as yesterday's winds,
I have chosen to consume you
and take you away.

"Oh, Jesus, where did
you disappear to,"
she murmured over and over again
in a low voice
dripping words
like a leaking faucet:
"Oh, there He is, my
Angel of the coming."


Michael Lee Johnson is a poet, editor, publisher, freelance writer, amateur photographer, small business owner in Itasca, Illinois.  He has been published in more than 880 small press magazines in 27 countries, and he edits 10 poetry sites.  Michael is the author of TheLost American:  From Exile to Freedom, several chapbooks of poetry, including From Which Place the Morning Rises and Challenge of Night and Day, and Chicago.  See his website for more about him http://poetryman.mysite.com/     

4 comments:

  1. Michael, I am not sure if you are new to Whispers or not, but if you are, let me be the first here to post a warm welcome! I so much enjoyed your poem and enjoyed even more the audio presentation at Youtube. "Mother, Edith, at 98" is very touching. Thank you for sharing it and continued blessings!

    -MJ (www.tgbtgpublictions.com)

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  2. The moment the poem was understood, there was this intriguing experience of my own mortality. This work Is a great achievement. Thank you for sharing. Ralph

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  3. Michael,
    A very encouraging write. Your mother may be in a nursing home facility but the fact you are willing to take her home and care for her shows what a kind-hearted person you are. I honestly don't know how you find he time to edit 10 poetry sites!! And the fact you have been in 27 countries is astounding too.
    Your friend,
    David Fox

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