Have You Ever
For loved ones who have lost their mothers too soon.
Have you ever seen the home
of a mother gone too soon
her children dressed in mourning
wandering room to room.
Have you ever watched their eyes
how they cast upon the earth
broken by the torment
of their endless search for her.
Have you ever heard the fear
that seeps out of their words
as they ask you to be quiet
with stories that now hurt.
Have you ever laid your hands
upon her books or scarves or hats
and felt them wince with pain
that she’s never coming back.
Have you ever turned a corner
not knowing they were there
sobbing beneath her blankets
covered in despair.
Have you ever felt like nothing
beside this wrenching loss
because no matter what you do
their mother will still be gone.
“But she’s inside,” you try to say
in your blood and bones forever.
You will not once walk without her.
Have you ever?