RomanceEverAfter

Quotes & Poetry

RED
by Shawn McGormley
For her mother, Kaye Hatfield

(opening written by Kaye Hatfield)

When our children are young we cannot always know what they notice, are impressed by or retain. When my daughter and son were young the three of us took several road trips together. I always enjoyed driving and having them in the van with me. We would listen to music and sing along and play word games. I never gave it a thought that they even noticed their mother’s clothes or hands as we were rolling down the highway.

After my daughter graduated from college, she had an opportunity to live close to the ocean and decided to drive to Virginia Beach for a long weekend. At that time she was working for an airline and her appearance was very important. She had also started wearing red nail polish. She composed this poem for me while on that trip. It starts out discussing the color red but as she progresses through her thoughts, she explores feelings that go much deeper and more serious.

When we are raising our children, it is our role to be strong, supportive and setting examples for them. "RED" is somewhat of a role reversal in the area of praise and support. She made me feel stronger than I do at times. She gave me courage to set higher goals for myself than I had thought I could possibly attain.

"RED" has become very special to me. I hope you enjoy reading it and that it might possibly inspire you to write a poem or short story for your mother or daughter.

I look down at the deep red color of my
Nails pressed to my steering wheel
And I see strength

As I remember countless trips with my mother’s
Red nails on the circle of control
Of her own life

While she taught me to be strong
And fought with me for my own happiness
That meant letting go

The woman who came so far from so little
And conquered so much
That makes her amazing

I wonder if she knows how brave she is
or if she believes in herself
as much as I believe in her.

The woman who taught me how to
Turn the red of pain into strength
To be truly alive, happy and steering.

We thank Kaye and her daughter, Shawn, for her submission.

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