I’m not saying goodbye.
Why the hell should I?
You’re not going anywhere.
You’re staying right here with me.
They say you can’t see me anymore,
That the time has come to move on,
but there’s no way I’m leaving you
and there’s nothing they can do about it.
I won’t let you say goodbye.
Why should I?
I’m not going anywhere.
I’m staying right here with you.
They say it’s only a matter of time,
That nothing more can be done,
But they don’t know how much I love you,
And nor did I till recently.
I stole from you for years
And still you took me in.
I lied to you to save my skin
And hid behind my fears.
When I was about to die,
You saved me and gave me hope
But all I gave you was mini-strokes,
overdrafts and a nasty smell of dope.
I know that you can hear me.
They told me that you can,
So please remember this, Mum;
I love you very much.

Comments
Christine | December 4, 2011 - 11:50
I feel a bit choked. My mother was in a coma this time last year before she died after a huge stroke. I really like this, so I hope you don't mind me saying that I think it would be stronger without the third last verse. Christine
scratch | December 4, 2011 - 12:14
A powerful expression of the dawn of a painful realisation, reality and regret. In no way cloying - heartfelt and genuine, the sentiments of the speaker seem to bubble towards an insanity of grief. A mad panic of the point at the top of the first fall of a giant roller coaster.
Christine | December 4, 2011 - 12:19
Don't worry. Thank you.
Highhat | December 4, 2011 - 13:00
I think this is really good and I know your Mother knows your feelings. Thanks for sharing this . I hope she stays with you forever..and you stay with her..
;)Pia
skinner_jennifer | December 4, 2011 - 14:50
Hi Richard,
just read your piece here and can let you know, that
each one of us has done something they regret in
their past, but the fact that you are able to admit
it and move on, is a credit to you and your mum and
I'm sure she is very proud of the way you are coping
now.
This is a wonderful way to say sorry and I hope she
gets to read it.
Thankyou for sharing.
Jenny.
Christine | December 4, 2011 - 16:26
My father died of dementia shortly after my mother passed away. I am so grateful that I was able to be with them both in the hospital at the end. Keep telling your Mum you love her. That's what we did and I am sure they heard. After they'd gone we each beat ourselves up about how 'bad' we'd been. I think it is human nature. But stop doing it because I am a mother and I know that my son will hurt me some day and I know that I will forgive him because that is what mothers do.
seashore | December 4, 2011 - 22:31
Didn't see original last verse - I'm curious, but no matter, this poem makes the reader feel what you're feeling and that's its great strength.
Cavalcaderl | December 5, 2011 - 01:27
new Blightersrock
Well done on the cherries!
I sang ugh! mum when she could say nice,or cup tea.
Or can just chat! helps you,at pride met friend danced,week end Ray never took me n/home,call
at 3am sister,wrong number he said, Phoned her engaged and also n/home engaged,knew then something wrong promised phone me n/home as my sister then knew,never did much! so rang but got husband is it so? hardly speak afraid so. So make sure n/home tells
you all. My pop told year,year hard work,unconditional love for him. But loved me at end,
would not go into hospice. Family broke up me after.
Thats enough from me. We have forgive and do all sometimes. Read 'My Beautuful Ring' poem, you will see.
Hi! sent comment last night got deleted.
I fully understand what your going through
I have been here to, mum,into n/home and last coma.
And pop years ago by bed only in his 50's into coma
Mum run off,after 30 years, married someone,caused Navy man dad drink, and six of us had cope!
But just be there,even if they can't see or
hear or touch. Do take there hand,tell them you
love them,whatever life! we have and rushing about,
all worth every bit in the end. They know warmth of
your hands,comfort to them. They know your there!
I wish you well,and with court case wife and children. Although don't watch football much,so
awful on great Welsh boss Footballer, Gary Speed,
so soon after tv. etc. Wife and two boys,I cried my
eyes out,helped so many too,but 100% like papers,now
put mystery. Cos was going away wife and family xmas.
Papers said too. Some of us in life! can be so helpful,but fragile too,but always cause,triggers whatever off! I remember poor Diana.
I adored her.
cavalcaderl julie x.
Bless him
R.I.P. Gary Speed. Loved by all.
Archie_Macjoyce | December 5, 2011 - 15:36
Lovely stuff, mate. Very moving.
insertponceyfre... | December 5, 2011 - 16:39
this one is very good blighters - well done
scratch | December 5, 2011 - 19:10
Cherries again, good for you - they are thoroughly deserved (yet again). Blighters I hope this is not too cheeky (or against the spirit of the process here) but if you get the chance and have the inclination I would appreciate a read and opinion on my latest submission. If I am out of line I offer unreserved appologies.
Cavalcaderl | December 5, 2011 - 22:03
new blightersrock
Well done! you ard doing all
brilliantly keep stroking and kiss,
hold her hand and say you love them always.
I was told warmth as it happened,to pop,and
my mums man,one at bedside incident,one at hospital,
years back,mum said I did it,by someone they will slip away when ready,love of the person, I told pop at home didn't know,prayed his pain over year stop suffering,gone by evening. Oh! how morbid.
I hope they got the beautiful light,as spirit travels. Like when I used read healing passage all,
prayed names needed. Healing would link up with prayers same time as home intercessors.
Lords prayer wipes all out, and sat up amazing! Bending head up. Must go. Not may hold there hands,
and stroke forehead or cheeks,beautiful Richard.
You take care.
Don't mean any offense.
cavalcaderl julie xx
Dynamaso | December 6, 2011 - 06:23
Aw, makes me think about all the horrid things I did and said to my Mum. Also makes me think about how much I appreciate her. Thanks for that, Blighters.
tcook | December 6, 2011 - 16:57
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SundaysChild | December 6, 2011 - 18:36
Well done, Blighters- what a stunning piece this is. x
Silver Spun Sand | December 6, 2011 - 18:53
Hi there, Richard,
I've just stumbled across this wonderful poem, and feel like I have joined the party late;-)
It would seem we both had 'goodbye' on our minds lately. It is also strange that my poem was essentially about my mother, too. She died in the early nineteen eighties, after she was sectioned and admitted to an asylum, and forunately only had to suffer two weeks there. She had early onset 'Alzheimers' and little was known of the illness back then. Thank god, things have changed.
I found your poem so very moving.
Tina
lavadis | December 6, 2011 - 18:58
It really is a lovely poem Blighters and far less angry that my two mother related rants !
fatboy74 | December 6, 2011 - 20:10
lots of brilliant comments and a thoroughly deserved POD - nice one Blighters. :-)
ScoZen | December 6, 2011 - 21:18
Blighters.
Archie Macjoyce has said it for me.
Regards.
rjnewlyn | December 6, 2011 - 22:37
Well I think they've said it all. Certainly one of your best. Wonderful.
Rob
MistakenMagic | December 6, 2011 - 22:44
I agree with Rob, not much else I can add, but can only tell you that this is a beautiful, poignant, and heart-breaking piece. Well done on all the picks! ;-)
Magic xxx
oldpesky | December 7, 2011 - 14:10
That's me creeping up behind you, Richard, not your ego. You've hit the jackpot with this one. Wish you'd written it a few years ago so I could've read it to my mum before she passed away.
RachelPatricia | December 12, 2011 - 17:31
Lost for words, Richard - this is heartbreakingly good :)
Rachel xx
Cavalcaderl | January 2, 2012 - 00:25
new Blightersrock
Happy New Year.
Hope all is going well for you,
and a better year ahead for you 2012
Not seen anymore of your great writng yet!.
julie x