Hidden Jewels

Just listen to my mother and maybe all you can hear is nonsense;
Perhaps all you can see is illness and a woman lost and confused.
But listen with you heart and your eyes as well as your ears
And you will get the essence of what she says and who she still is.

The words may not connect with the thought that generates them;
The eyes betray her frustration, confusion and fear;
But watch her intently, hold her hand and look deeply into her eyes
And she being speaks of her joy, her fears and her love.

She utters a desire for early death but her heart still hangs on ever hopeful,
For she is not ready to give up on the driving force in her life: people.
Now unable to support herself and seemingly angry at her demise,
She cannot hide the glimpses we get of her occasional peace and joy.

As she flirts with this one and that; she teases and plays; she goes about her day;
Her old body still has a youthful, mischievous mind and stubborn demeanour.
So listen for what she cannot say: give vent to her trapped emotions;
Be patient, loving and calm and she will reward you with her love.