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“A Mother’s Miracle”, Poem

“A Mother’s Miracle”

Christmas, circa 1983

From the book, This Was Meant to Be

by Linda Jones Simmons

My mama said she loved me,

And I sure hoped she did,

Her eyes shone bright as candles,

Though in them sorrow hid.

As I lay in her arms,

She rocked me to and fro,

“I love you, baby Ruby,”

Her spirit seemed to glow.

Her skin felt smooth and warm,

She always smelled so sweet,

She stroked my hair and cheek,

And then began to speak.

“Tho’ I mus’ leave you soon,

I want you to know,

Chil’, I’ll always love you,

Know that this is so.”

The fire crackled loudly,

The embers were aglow,

“Where you goin’, Mama?

Where do you have to go?”

The room began to darken,

As she looked down at me,

“I don’t know how to tell you,

Jus’ know you’re dear to me.”

“Oh, Mama, please don’t go!

Don’t leave us here alone.”

Outside the leaves were falling,

The wind began to groan.

Then I heard a rap,

Two men they came inside,

The fire began to dwindle,

Oh, how we children cried.

“Hang on, Ruby Babe,

You the mama now,

Girl, you keep yo’ faith,

’Cause I’ll return somehow.”

Two years ago it was,

They took her away,

I’d become the mama,

There was no time for play.

It was nearly Christmas,

The air was crisp and dry,

The house was sad and empty,

I heard my sister sigh.

“Be still a little while longer,”

I drew her near to me,

We nestled close together,

Not knowing what we’d see.

The door opened slightly,

The light shone from behind,

A shadowy slender figure,

Made her way inside.

“Oh, Mama! That you, Mama?”

“Yes, Ruby Babe, and how!

I’m home ‘n’ free at las’,

Aint nothin’ c’n part us now!”

The flames rose up and crackled,

We hugged each other tight,

Strains of carols resounded,

Throughout that winter night.