Sandra (mycatscanread) - - 5/12/2007 7:12 PM ET

How beautiful for Mother's Day. Thanks for posting your poem.

K J. (dappledart) - 5/12/2007 10:32 PM ET

This is a lovely poem! The imagery of living things speaks very strongly. I think it would be a stronger poem without the introductory first stanza, though I don't think I would change the second to say who "she" was either. In my opinion starting simply "I transplanted her peonies..." would add interest and a touch of wonder to draw the reader deeper in the poem to learn more about who "her" is. Also it allows the reader to relate--that they too have tried to hang on to a piece of a passing loved one. I especially like the metaphor of her gracing your home through the flowers in the last stanza. It gives a peaceful sense of closure, yet continuance.

Jim H. (Pecos45) - 5/12/2007 11:28 PM ET

This pushes buttons, Ione. Before my mother died she gave me four little bits of vinca from a spot in her yard. I planted them and gave them a little care and they became a jungle with beautiful blue flowers when they bloom. Thanks for the memory.

Tina H. (EclecticHSmom) - 5/13/2007 1:08 AM ET

Very nice. I especially like the fourth stanza about the children and flowers!

Claudia (BrokenWing) - 5/13/2007 1:00 PM ET

very nice and appropriate for today.

BARBARA D. (TINKER) - 5/13/2007 8:47 PM ET

VERY NICE,I MISS MY MOM EVERYDAY.

Gina S. (GigiBeanz) - 5/14/2007 9:54 AM ET

Very sweet. I love the notion of keeping Mom with you through the poenies. Look at them and smile to reminisce on your time with her.

Marta J. (booksnob) - 5/14/2007 11:38 AM ET

I agree with Kalulani; would've been even stronger starting with the second paragraph. But truly poignant and sweet. I'm glad that you have her flowers to help keep her alive!

IONE L. (zaneygraylady) - 5/14/2007 3:27 PM ET

I think you are right about skipping the first paragraph. Since mothers day is over I will delete it.

Angela D. (jaylou) - 5/17/2007 4:19 PM ET

That is wonderful...I love it.