Hey Mom! Poem by Kyle Schlicher

hey mom!
can you hear me?

just want you to know
i've missed you
and
dad
over the years.

i never knew what a relief
it was just to visit,
to sit and talk with you.

when i'm down
i sometimes worry
that i disappointed you
beginning
with the time
i joined the marine corps
instead of going to college
like you wanted me to.

sorry about that mom.

and i know
we both suffered
with the deaths
of all the loved ones
we knew;
but,
hey mom,
your strength
always shone through
the knifelike
pain and hurting.

i took great solace
in that strength
and i believe
it made me
a stronger person.

now,
the years
have slowly passed by
until i am older
than you and dad
were when you died.

i just want you
to know
i don't fear death,
no, not in the least,
and i believe
that is a trait
i inherited from you.

i truly believe
you were the strongest person
i've ever known
in my entire life.

but,
hey mom,
i was just thinking
about you
and
dad
hoping
you were happy
with the way
i turned out!

hey mom!
can you hear me?

you know
i love you!

(3-30-2015)