Happy Birthday

My dear mom,
Happy Birthday!

I wish I could wrap my tender arms around you 
and hold you lovingly in my embrace. 

I wish I could sing you a happy greeting song 
and then hand you a fragrant bouquet 
of white lilies - your favourites. 

I wish I could give you a card, 
filled with words of gratitude and adoration. 
They would pour out so easily for you. 

I wish I had to patiently take my time 
as you unwrapped your presents… 
And then received a beaming smile. 

There is so much I wish….
Because I don’t think I had enough. 
Enough time with you. 

Although, to be honest,
even a 100 years together
wouldn’t have been enough. 

Not for me, at least. 

The way you loved cannot be replaced. 
And I miss that so deeply. 
I miss being loved by you.

And I know that you are still with us…
But I still wish you were here. 
On earth. 

So I could wrap you
in that warm embrace… 
And feel your loving arms
around me, too. 

Missing you,
E.

Imagery / My mother at a garden party, 2019 / Photo by Sintija Gādiga