Mom

by Susan Sewell

She saw their bruises, they couldn’t hide,
Her quiet screams, she held inside,
She felt their pain, she suffered too,
She’s lost herself, she had no clue,
Her children cry, their voices torn,
She didn’t care, she didn’t mourn,
She was there, supposed to protect,
What else would you expect?
Was it fear of what comes next?
The guilt weighs heavy on her chest,
For every tear she didn’t wipe,
Her kids were hurt, they held a gripe,
She saw their tears, she didn’t defend,
How did she expect her kids to mend?
She wonders if they’ll ever know,
The love she felt but didn’t show,
The bruises healed, the scars remain,
She chose the bottle to numb her pain,
The mother they knew, they couldn’t find,
They only remember being left behind,
Her heart must ache, but she won’t speak,
Her strength is gone, her will is weak,
Does she realize what she’s lost?
Her children’s love, the silent cost,
Years have passed and nothings done,
She never earned the title, Mom!