The Sisterhood – 

Recent events of violence that have left families struggling to understand, “Why my child?” prompted me to write a poem. Every time a deranged person goes berserk I am reminded of the fragility of life. Both Mothers and Fathers feel the pain of losing a child, I know, but this poem is for the sisterhood. As a mother, I wanted to reach out to those moms who are grieving anew and still.

The Sisterhood

Years before

You stood tall,

Proud,

Productive,

Prepared,

Just like the others.

You’re gone now,                                                        

Others too,

Leaving me,

Leaving us,

Alone,

And together,

In the sisterhood --   
Mothers without a son,

Or daughter,

Our babes born

And buried,

The hands of fate

Wringing.

Year one

Begins

Without you

You are honored,

Celebrated,

Loved.

“Why the fuss?”

I sense your spirit,

Smiling secretly.

Year one

Ends.

Sweet sisters share,

Too many to count,

Losers all.

Sad stories,

Hidden in their hearts,

Bubble anew,

As fresh as yesterday.

Year two                                                                                   

Begins

Without you

Once more.

Another day dawns.

“Get over it!”

Some say.

“Not easy,”

I counter.

The sisters know.

Years before

I stood aside,

Watching,

Waiting,

Wondering,

Just like the others.

But you’re gone now,

Others too,

Leaving me,

Leaving us,

Alone,

And together,

In the sisterhood --

Mothers without a son,

Or daughter,

Our babes buried,

The decree of destiny

Resonating.

In years to come

Where will we sisters be?

Managing?

Marker counting?

Making do?

The sisterhood stands by,

Together and apart,

While time, fickle and capricious,  

Elapses enough to ease
an angst that will not ever let go.                              

                                                                             By Judith DeChesere-Boyle, May 2014