A Mother's Picture Posted on the Walls of the City
I
Mother, I'm off to find my own pleasure
I'm sick and tired of living by your measure
And keeping me locked away like a treasure.
I am breaking from the chains that bind me
I am setting my own course and will do as I please
I will not be your slave. I will be free!
Daughter, I know you wanted to be free.
Please, oh please, stay home with me.
I know how cruel the world can be.
Daughter, I know freedom comes at a price.
The world is evil though it may entice.
It is full of every wicked and awful vice.
Daughter of my own heart,
You may always come home for a new start.
It won't matter what you've done.
It won't matter what you've become.
Mother, you were so wrong and I so right
Look at this city and it's mystical light
Everything around me is beautiful and bright.
There is life here in the mirthful night.
I am dancing in fun filled delight.
Each day brings new sounds and new sights.
Daughter, my life is empty and hollow
I know nothing but painful sorrow.
But I cling to hope of your returning tomorrow.
Tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes.
The house knows nothing but silent echos
Memories of a child I held ever so close
Daughter of my own heart,
Come home for a new start.
It doesn't matter what you've done.
It doesn't matter what you've become.
Mother, I will never ever return.
New friends, new faces everywhere I turn
The ecstasy never ceases to burn.
I've never known such wonderful highs.
Finally for joy my heart sings and cries.
I no longer believe in any of your lies.
Daughter, my heart is pierced with sorrow.
I am leaving to find you tomorrow.
I will search every district and borough.
I will plaster the city with my face
In hopes you'll remember the place
Where you have always received love and grace.
Daughter of my own heart,
Come home for a new start.
It doesn't matter what you've done.
It doesn't matter what you've become.
II.
Mother, the lights have gone dim.
But I have hope. Things are not that grim.
There's a possible job at the gym.
I still have some money you gave me
But things are not what I dreamed they'd be
I'm beginning to believe what you warned me.
Where are you my precious daughter?
Have you seen my daughter?
My one and only daughter?
May I post this picture in your café?
My daughter has left and gone away.
I'm desperate to find her someday.
Daughter of my own heart,
Come home for a new start.
It doesn't matter what you've done.
It doesn't matter what you've become.
Do you have a job for me?
I'll do anything at all, you see?
I am so desperately hungry.
No, I don't have an address
No, I will certainly not undress!
No, you can't have my body to caress.
Have you seen my daughter?
My one and only daughter?
Where are you my precious daughter?
Daughter, see my picture on every wall,
Posted on every doorway in every hall
Of every bathroom of every hotel, motel, and mall.
Daughter of my own heart,
Come home for a new start.
It doesn't matter what you've done.
It doesn't matter what you've become.
Mother, you would not believe what I've done.
You could never forgive what I've become.
I now live in my own private dugon.
I was wrong and you were right
The city is empty, dark and full of fright.
There is only death here day and night.
Have you seen my daughter?
My one and only daughter?
Where are you my cherished daughter?
Daughter, have you seen my face?
Do you remember that loving place?
Where you once had love and grace?
Daughter of my own heart,
Come home for a new start.
It doesn't matter what you've done.
It doesn't matter what you've become.
III.
Mother, I thought I saw you in a motel hall
A crumbled picture hanging on the wall
As I lay there bleeding and broken from my latest call.
But I have sunk too low and gone too far in this hell town
My life was fading as in my tears of shame I drown
Until you picture fell to the ground upside down
"Daughter of my own heart,
Come home for a new start.
It doesn't matter what you've done.
It doesn't matter what you've become."
Oh my dearest daughter don't say a word.
Don't think I haven't already heard.
I know very well the life you entered.
It doesn't matter what you've done.
It doesn't matter what you've become.
Daughter of my own heart,
You've come home for a new start.
Don't you fret and don't you dismay.
All is forgiven and forgotten this day.
Author notes
I was not happy with my first posting. The rhyme scheme was too simple and there was not enough imagery. This version adds the daughter's perspective. It's based on a drama I saw at church. I wish i could post in 3 columns.
Written July 22nd, 2004
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1 - 7 of 7
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Strorytelling, poetry, and a point behind it all. This is a great write, and above that I call it a great piece of art. Amazing talent and amazing story.
-Jason A. Bahl -
Excellent
This is a masterpiece, the dialog between mother and daughter works well and you have kept the balance beautifully. Well done
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Thank you much. It's a long piece. I'm glad it held your attention. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Tragic and beautiful
Oh, touching! I almost cried!! ;-; ::huggles:: I'm glad it's based on fiction... an icredibly sad but in the end uplifting write: we can all break the ties that bind us to our ill-gotten dreams. -
Thanks for taking the time to read a long poem and commenting on it. It's much appreciated. The other version was much shorter and is still posted on this site. allpoetry.com/Poem/716924
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I don't know what the first one looked like, but this one is awesome.. It gave me chills up and down my legs and arms! Great poetry! So honest and forthcoming. Keep it up.
~*Destiny*~ -
I like the revised version much better it gives a more complete story and explains not only the mothers feelings and loss but the reason behined the daughters leaving. Nice write hun
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