"MY MOTHER IS NOT THERE"
My mother is not there beneath that cold damp sod
If she were her warmth would cause the oceans to overflow.
My mother is not there beneath the green grass or flowers in bloom
If she were her beauty would outshine the portals of heaven.
My mother is not there even though the marker bears her name.
If she were angels amass would surround the earthly shrine,
My mother is not there even if witnesses did see her body entombed.
If she were her love would answer my call to come home to me.
My mother is not there for in my heart God told me so.
If she were then God's word would return to Him void.
Oh, but I know where my mother is.
Not in a dark worm devoured grave, NO!
God sent His angels on a heavenly flight to earth.
And lifted her on their wings of splendor
And introduced her to the heavenly host
And all of heaven paused to see her beauty
As the gates of eternity opened, she entered in.
Then heaven was complete.
A MARKER STILL STANDS, YES BUT SHE IS NOT THERE.
"Of Thoughts and Blessings" Book of Poems by Susan Weathers Hiatt
Written December 2003 on remembering my mother Lela Mae Yarbrough Weathers