Go Back

• Ilma Khan, Grade 10
• Poetry
• 2016

She loved you even before you were born,
She memorised your first smile like the words of the Lord,
To her, you were first, then the rest of the world.
“Mum, you embarrass me!”
She held your hand for a while, but clutches your heart forever,
She loved your newborn cry like your lyrical laughter,
Her tears- they were a breach in nature.
“Mum, I don’t need you!”
You sinned, yet she forgave your crime,
You take her for granted, like a spare penny or dime,
Her time is short, I realised, after losing mine.
“Mum, leave me alone!”
So go back! Go back because it’s not too late,
Go back and make her laugh as you’ve made her cry,
Go back and make amends, as I failed to do so with mine.
“Mum…you were right.”