TOO LATE YOU WAITED... WHEN I GOT THERE, YOU WERE GONE... MAMA!

TOO LATE YOU WAITED... WHEN I GOT THERE, YOU WERE GONE... MAMA!

BY GLORIA FAYE BROWN BATES                                                                                                                                                                                       aka  GRANNY GEE

I stood looking down at her youthful face

gone were any lines, or wrinkles

Her hair was soft, clean and shiny

I saw her expression... it was one of peace.

My mother who was in her sixties

now looked to be in her thirties

She laid there so pretty

With a slight smile on her lips.

My beautiful mother, how I loved you

I feel the pain in my heart

I miss you, mama

I wish you were here to talk to.

That was the last time I saw my mother

I stood there with my son, Tommy

We both stood there with tears in our eyes

Sadness in our hearts.

I saw the tube that was hidden by the white sheets

I knew they were attached to her body

Making an impression on my mind I'd never forget

I knew what it was there for, I wondered 'why'?

My mother was being cremated, embalmed... 'why'?

I let go of that thought as grief took over

Mama!  Mama!  You called, left a message for me

'Faye, help me!  Help me'! a cry that haunts me to this day.

What happened, Mama?  What happened?

I know something happened... but, what?

Questions, more questions

Answers of sorts... in time the dots connected.

Mama, I know 'why' now... you weren't wanted anymore

It was time for someone else

To come in your home, take your place

They were already there, but.. you didn't know.

Mama, I wish I could have saved you

If you'd just told me sooner

My mama, my brother... they didn't want you there

That's why you are both gone today.

My last memory is standing there looking down into your beautiful face

You were at peace, mama... no one could mistreat you, hurt you anymore

My beautiful mother who called me, left a message crying for help

Too late you waited, Mama... when I got there... you were gone.

Rest in peace, my beautiful mother

Rest in peace, my precious brother

I miss you both with my heart...

At this moment I remember you, in my heart I cry.