Love Poem: I Listened To Mom When the Tide Rose
Andrew Crisci Avatar
Written by: Andrew Crisci

I Listened To Mom When the Tide Rose

When threat, doubt or danger treacherously
loomed over me, I felt the despicable
untruthfulness of most friends
whose mouths were volcanos 
erupting, destroying what I had built:
that stronghold of trust towering
over them when their trustworthiness
would have gladden me. ..
not being torn apart by their
misdeeds and pretenses.

I listened to mom when the tide rose, 
when the turbulent waves battered
the defenseless rocks on any winter's night,
" My dearest boy, watch out for the slithering 
serpent who makes no noises, but attacks viciously
in an instant." Then her words made no sense,
their meaning wasn't caught; today, listening 
to their echo, I am against the foe in a tempest!

And I relentlessly fight to free myself from
the rage it creates while faces of mockery appear,
their laughter loudly resonates; I cover my ears
under the heavy sheets to block out their sound,
" You still listen to mom, grow up and come with us,  
live life! Be a man like us, doing whatever delights us...
there's no limit in what we can do. Who's going to be 
to be there for you when she's no longer around? 

Not one of them is alive today, they pursued
their false dreams and pleasures, lived life
their way and abused alcohol and drugs never
singing an anthem; their wives deserted them, 
their kids never loved them in those tender ways.
I have overcome every struggle and every conflict,  
fought every battle by being much stronger than them!
 
The portrait of mom on the opposite wall
looks straight at me as her happy voice
returns to speak, " Take my memory with you
to brighten your day, you will live long for having
been obedient to me and having loved me;
my nurturing spirit will guide you through
many storms approaching, I will allay each fear. "