You held the world in your eyes: a bright summer sky that sparkled over water when you felt joyful or mischievous, or light gray slate when sadness held you, darker still when ire struck. Your anger never lasted. You blew up and it was over; no grudges held, all was forgiven. There were tears you pretended weren't there, you found courage by denying your pain and loving with abandon. Your love overflowed, like waterfalls in a rain forest, filling every cup to its brim and bubbling over; thus was your own soul renewed. It's Mother's Day. I miss you. I sit listening to the rain pummeling against the roof, I close my eyes and imagine each drop is your love soaking me to the bone. I know it's there but my imagination isn't up to the task. It can't compare to the love that was always in your eyes, and the warmth of your embrace.
~Elise Skidmore ©2022

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! You are loved!