Doll by Susie McMahon
I see you still sitting on the sofa
You told us it was a settee.
Old like you I thought.
I watch as you knit
The needles slapping together
Knit one pearl one
Over and over until you
Hold up the beanie,
Complete with pom pom.
I still have it all these years since
It draws comments, handmade I say
My mum made it forty years or more ago.
Those dolls, you made so many
Were they for the church fete?
They’ve vanished now
I often wonder about those hours you spent
Your arthritic fingers working frantically
To a deadline, Tuesday twelve noon you’d say
Aunty Kath would be round to pick up.
All your friends were Aunty back then.
I wonder if anyone still has them
Or like you have they been sent to eternity.
Shame isn’t it.
So today I picked up your beanie
Remembered it was made by you.
I still treasure it
My only lasting link to you.
Written for: http://withrealtoads.blogspot.se/2014/05/sundays-feature-artist-arts-dolls-by.html
Today in Australia is Mother’s Day and this is my second tribute to my mother who died over thirty years, and whom I still miss.
My other tribute you can view here:
Morpethroad 
This is a sweet story.
Thanks Kim happy you think so.
Very touching Michael. What a wonderful keepsake. A piece of your mother’s love forever.
My mother was an excellent knitter, the beanie is a little piled these days but still in perfect condition. Thanks Jackie for your comment you are appreciated.
To have a son write something like this long after you’re gone? I’d say you are the treasure. Very moving, Michael.
Thank you Mandy, I was very moved in writing it, thanks for reading and your lovely comment.
Your welcome!
This touched me Michael as my grandmother who died left us with her knits & crochet pieces ~
This is loving tribute to your mother & perfect for Mother’s Day celebration ~ Thanks for the personal share (including the beanie) & wishing you wonderful weekend ~
Thanks Grace, the photo I selected just brought back so memories. Thanks so much for reading and your comment.
What a lovely poem, Michael. Your mother would be beaming just about now I would think. You have such fond memories, sharing stories brings her to life for us here. Oh, it IS Sunday there now isn’ t it. Well, have a great day, Oliana
Midday Sunday Oliana, sun is shining life is good. Thanks for your lovely comment, I am sure she’d be chuffed today. Happy Mother’s Day to you for tomorrow.
Thank you, Michael…forecast is sunny:)
This brought a tear Michael. I know how much you miss your mum and your dad. What do I say in my Services – though we have lost the physical connection, we will be forever connected by the memories we hold. I love your beanie, pilled or tattered it matters not. Made from love and a treasured keepsake. Hugs x
Thanks Jenny today brings many memories back.
I am sure it does my friend. Hugs
This is a wonderful tribute to your mother! It also goes to show that sometimes what we think will make us remember really aren’t and that memories lie in small things that, on the day, might seem meaningless. This piece woke a lot of creative inspiration in me, and I loved it!
Thank you CC, is am pleased my words have inspired you, and thank you for your generous words.
The way we remember our past.. I think the things that has been touched by loving hands have such a strong connection it’s almost like they are with us…
Thanks Bjorn I appreciate you reading and your comment.
Awwwwwwwwwwww.so sweet memories and the cap is very cute:)
Thank you Vandana I appreciate your comment.
Awwwwwwwwwwww.so sweet memories and the cap is very cute:) oops earlier typed wrong blog address.
the word ‘handmade’ is so full of love & warmth….so rare to find these days..a beautiful write…
Thank you so much Sumana I appreciate your comment.
Such a lovely story of your mother. My mom made so many doll clothes, thankfully I have so many of them.
Thanks Susie I am sure you treasure the doll clothes.
So beautiful.
And – the knit beanie & the memories…PRICELESS! 🙂
{Hugs}
Thanks RoSy there was a surprising emotional content in this one, thanks for reading.
This is beautiful! My link to my mother is her recipe card file! Like having her in the kitchen with me.
Thanks Helen, that’s a lovely connection to have I have a friend who has her grandmothers recipe book for the same reason.