Lezley's Promise

by Raylene McGinnis
(Austin, Tx. USA)

My mother Lezley Wood

Lezley’s Promise

A promise made is a promise kept
and she would live it to the end
On this day she made a promise
and her vigil would soon begin

She walked through her garden 
her mission  to find the best
She would take the roses to him 
to the place of his final rest

She knelt  down at his marker 
pulling the grass away 
Oh Woody, these bloody weeds
I should be here every day.

Her mind was on the task at hand
she did not hear  the cry at first
but when a sob broke the silence
she could see this woman’s hurt

As  so typical of my mother
she could  not just turn away
she approached this sad woman
not knowing for sure what to say

Is there anything I can do to help
mom asked as she touched her hand
This is my son Daniel she said
he died a very young man

The tears again began to flow
as this mother began to share
I am unable to bring him flowers
to even show that I care

It seemed like such a simple wish
but with distance she could not do
I come here often said my mother
I will bring Daniel flowers for you

Oh if I knew you truly would 
bring flowers for Daniel from me
Oh I will... mom said with conviction
a promise is a promise you see

From that day on mom kept a vigil
with flowers for dad she had brought
then with flowers she walked to Daniel
a promise is a promise she was taught

Daniel, these are from your mum
she loves you very much
she placed the flowers on his grave
then his name she would touch

Seven years she kept this promise
With love she carried it out
we made the trips together now
she was weaker there was no doubt

As we walked toward dad’s grave
she stopped and pointed his way
there in his vase was a bright blue flower
said she, that wasn’t here the other day

She placed the flowers in dad’s vase
and  as she turned to walk away
she stopped and pointed once again
the same blue flower was at Daniel’s grave

Do you think Daniel’s mum knows
I kept the promise I made long ago
Yes, mom I do believe she does
she left a message so you would know

On this day I walked alone with flowers
pulled the grass from around their grave
Pressed a kiss on each of their names
whispered I miss you more than I can say

As I turned to take that same path
my mother had taken so many times
I realized what an honor it was and
how her promise was now mine

A promise made is a promise kept
and she lived it to the end
Daniel these flowers are from your mum
and my mum, your very special friend