I found my mother's photograph,
that was long ago tucked away.
A younger version from years ago,
with eyes that had a lot to say.
A Mona Lisa smile she wears,
that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
An effort that failed to show happiness,
to me it was quite a surprise.
I always thought that she was content,
but then she lost her husband, my dad.
She never really expressed that pain,
all the times she was lonely and sad.
She worked so hard supporting me,
but I never once said thank you,
for being a wonderful mother.
Just believing that it was my due.
Her childhood was so painful,
her story she told once or twice.
How abusive and strict her parents had been,
the two of them not very nice.
Sailing from England to start a new life,
rough at first there was no denying.
But mom was strong, she never gave up,
until her last day she kept trying.
Now as I gaze at her beautiful image,
wish I could have a little more time.
To go back and tell her I'm sorry,
it's for her that I wrote this rhyme.
Mom you deserved much more than pain,
a life filled with struggle and tears.
If there was a way, I'd find it today,
to embrace you like when you were near.
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