Tags
Going to College, growing up, Leaving Home, Mother's Day, mother's love, mothers and sons, Poems, Poetry, Sons, Teenagers
I thank you both. For without you, I’d never know how much I love being a mom. (Remember, I never claimed to be a poet.)
For My Stephen
by Kristine Goodfellow
As I looked into your cradle twenty years ago—
I wondered who you’d be when I finally let you go.
I knew someday you’d be a young man—
Away at college with a dream and a plan.
And as I looked down upon your slumbering form—
I found it hard to believe you’d ever live in a dorm.
A tiny baby so charming and resplendent—
I knew someday you would be independent.
“When will it be time for you to be on your own?
How can I ever live without you in my home?”
To keep my heart from breaking open wide—
I kept thoughts of your leaving tucked deep inside.
As I lifted you from the cradle, my firstborn son–
I thought, “He’s here right now–my mothering far from done.”
With a kiss I whispered, “Stephen, my sweet child of joy,
You are a precious gift from heaven, my most beloved boy.”
Upon your soft cheek the night did caress–
A valued Innocent of newborn tenderness.
I counted my blessings for my cherished little one.
As I looked upon you, I saw what God had done.
In your sigh I heard the soft sounds of spring.
In your eyes, I saw the delight your gaze would bring.
In your breaths, I heard the sound of wind in trees;
In my heart I heard our Maker’s decrees—
“Hear, oh parents–a child to ponder and gaze;
Watch him grow and guide his ways.
For this gift of life I bestow to you—
In him, you’ll find my love ever so true.
And when the time comes to let him go—
A small piece of heaven you will always know.”
Although I cherish the perfect gift that is you,
I had to let you go; it’s what mothers must do.
At college you waved goodbye to us, a child no more.
In that instant, I knew this is what we prepared you for.
I realized right then, it was what I wanted all along–
I gave a gift back to the world to which you belong.
When you were a baby in my arms, my wish for you–even then,
Was that someday you would find your place as a man among men.
I look with pride at the person you are–
So near to my heart—forever
Even when you are far.
*************************************************
For My Greg
by Kristine Goodfellow
The sparkle in your eyes was there from your birth.
Twin dimples beside your smile confirmed your mirth–
And all the stars in the heaven could never equal your worth.
Your sweet baby giggle filled our house with your charm—
As I chased you around to keep you from harm.
Your weapon was a grin you could use to disarm.
A brave little daredevil we could not tame.
“Look at me, Mommy!” you’d proclaim–
As you jumped off the stairs, the counter, the rocking chair.
You survived scraped knees, some stitches and gum in your hair.
There was nowhere you couldn’t climb, nothing we could hide.
If we could keep you safe, we knew you would be our pride.
A mischievous grin and a twinkle in your eye—
“Look at me, Mommy! I can fly!”
My daring, adventurous, funny little guy.
–Now your shoulders are wide and you’ve grown so tall.
A gifted writer, a weightlifter, and obsessed with football—
When did you leave boyhood behind? For I do not recall.
One more year of school and then you’re out the door.
So, for right now, I’ll have to hug you a little more.
It’s not so long ago you sat upon my knee.
Now you’re a teenager longing to be free–
And in such a hurry to greet your destiny.
Soon you can go out and welcome your fate.
A college education and adulthood await.
Your joy for life always adhere–
But, I know I cannot keep you here.
What to do with your life—there’s still time to decide.
Your talents you’ve honed; your skills you’ve applied.
But, remember…
You’ll always be in my heart if not at my side.
Chris Villarreal said:
Thank you for sharing your heart for your children with us, Kristine. In addition to being an excellent writer, you’re a generous one, willing to expose your deepest feelings so that we, your reader, may see the universality of our own feelings. Reminding us of our common experience as human beings which is what the best, most powerful art does.
You children are fortunate to have you for their mom. Happy Mother’s Days, dear friend.
P.S. Just can’t believe Stephen concludes his freshman year today. I’m happy for him and proud of him.
kristinegoodfellow said:
thanks for reading, Chris. I’m flattered. And…I can’t believe his freshman year is history already. Wow! (A biiiig thank you to you and Juan for taking care of him. We love you guys.)
Emma Madden said:
Happy Mother’s Day 🙂 Lovely writing as always.
kristinegoodfellow said:
Same to you, Chloe. Wait..is Mother’s Day the same day over there? Anyway, I hope your daughter feels better and you can write this weekend.
Ruth said:
They’re lucky boys K, I hope they know that! Maybe I’ll write something for my kids one day.
kristinegoodfellow said:
Of course they don’t know it. I’m mean. 😉
Mary said:
Your boys are blessed to have you, just as you are blessed to have them. Thanks for sharing! Happy Mother’s Day!
kristinegoodfellow said:
Happy Mother’s Day, Mary. I know you must be especially proud this year. I think you know what I mean. You have awesome children.
Chris said:
There once was a woman named Kristine,
who ended up being quite mean.
She wrote with such feeling,
which sent her kids reeling,
and they have since yet to be seen.
😀
Happy Mummy’s Day
kristinegoodfellow said:
There once was a brilliant writer named Chris
Who wrote some sick stories with bliss.
Behind the face of a little Boy Scout
To shock us all he churned them out.
But his sharp humor laid in a limerick abyss.
he he he!
Jeanne said:
Beautiful poems to your sons, Kristine.
kristinegoodfellow said:
Thanks for reading, Jeanne! I appreciate your comment. Happy Mother’s Day!
Your Favorite SIL said:
Reading these poems brings a tear to my eye because it reminds me that soon my girls will leave home and head off to college. Well, in 3 years and 5, respectively, but it seems way soon to me (except when we’re in the midst of math homework hell). These poems will mean the world to your boys. How nice that you have the talent and the courage to write the poems and to share them. But next time, I was to read a poem about Greg’s baby colic and Stephen’s cleaning fetish at age 3!!
I sure wish you were going to come on the EU tour with us this summer.
kristinegoodfellow said:
LOL – Thanks for reminding me of homework hell. I shudder when I remember all the strife of those days. Someday, I’ll use revisionist history and remember them sitting at their desks, smiling and busily finishing their work before dinner without me even having to remind them. Yeah…yeah…that sounds good. I’m sticking with that. Oh no…wait…then they offer to clean up the kitchen so I can relax.
I would be so much FUN to go with you.