Mama's Kiss

When I think of growing up, I remember Mama most of all.

When I woke up at night, afraid, she was the one I'd call.

5 foot tall, but I knew she'd fight a bear with a straw for me!

When I needed refuge, there was only one place I would be.

She healed skinned knees and bruised hearts just the same,

There was just something miraculous in my Mama's kiss.

To this day, when I am hurt, it is my Mother that I miss.

Days spent cooking, standing on a stool, so I could reach,

Much more easily done herself, but she took time to teach,

Hours sewing millions of stitches, sequined gowns for me,

Everyone else saw just a dress, but her love is what I'd see.

On the day she died, her mind wandered back into the past,

Looking in her eyes, I knew that day would be her very last.

Going through the motions of plying her needle and thread.

"I'm sewing a new pageant dress for you" is what she said.

I held her in my arms, and within moments, she was dead.

I don't regret the time I spent knelt beside her bed to pray.

It was time well spent, and I'll feel her kiss again, another day

The Web Projects of Sondra Ball and Mario Cavallini