Mother died, age twenty-five
(of flu-asthma complication)
I, barely 16 months & weaned,
bereft. of primal-love relation.
Passed fears of childhood years
(growing up with best-step brother)
when mom’s older sister said to me,
“you remind me of your mother.”
“Oh, tell me how, right now” I cried
breath-bated wait for answer
she smiled at me and said, ”I see
it’s plain-obvious in your manner,
Voice like hers & when you speak
your hands move just as hers had”
precious-treasure words I heard…
while mirror says I look like dad!
Kim is hosting inherited “body image” poetics prompt at dVerse Poets
a poem in my pocket 
Aug 08, 2018 @ 02:19:59
What a beautiful poem. Inherited mannerisms are such a link to the past, my Dad often tells me I have the mannerisms of his Dad, who I’ve never met.
Aug 08, 2018 @ 06:22:13
Yes, a precious heritage! Thank you for reading and commenting here.
Apr 30, 2018 @ 14:47:42
So beautiful and touching….and i truly treasure those remarks people make when they say i am like my parents in some way or the other :)….
Apr 29, 2018 @ 10:02:37
I understand your poem very well. My dad’s mom passed when he was four. Her sister would say to my dad, “If you want to know what Mae looked like just look at your daughter.” And we had photos to prove it.
Apr 29, 2018 @ 16:59:51
You carry her memory in your genes! Thanks for sharing your comments; I appreciate hearing your similar story, Janice.
Apr 26, 2018 @ 05:51:10
for your mum to be remembered reflected by the way you move and be is so touching
Apr 26, 2018 @ 08:19:27
I’m happy to carry on her memory…and appreciate your comment!
Apr 25, 2018 @ 14:27:22
So sad not to know your mother… I love “how you moved your hands”… i think it takes a sibling to see that.
Apr 25, 2018 @ 13:32:28
My condolences on losing your Mom so early in life – your poem is such a lovely reminder that our lineage carries on, from one generation to the next.
Apr 25, 2018 @ 13:58:25
Thanks, Jo, for your kind comments.
Apr 25, 2018 @ 09:06:04
So sorry to hear you lost your mother at such a young age!
Dwight
Apr 25, 2018 @ 09:11:32
Thanks, Dwight. I think I still miss her. My dad is alive and well.
Apr 25, 2018 @ 09:05:15
A wonderful poem. It is amazing how someone’s positive words can stay with us forever!
Apr 25, 2018 @ 09:09:41
Words are that powerful! I may not have quoted exactly, in order to fit rhythm & rhyme.
Apr 25, 2018 @ 12:06:09
It works very well… I thought it was great!
Apr 25, 2018 @ 06:32:43
what a terrible parting Lynn but solace knowing your mother speaks through you and in this poem too
Apr 25, 2018 @ 06:49:25
Your comment moves me to tears but I thank you, Laura.
Apr 25, 2018 @ 06:54:12
as you moved me – have a good day though!
Apr 25, 2018 @ 05:09:43
incredible write lynn. you seem at peace with this. what a gift those aunt-words. my birth father died 8 years before i started searching…
Apr 25, 2018 @ 06:46:13
Yes, my dear aunt and her words (these and more) were a gift to me. I’m sorry about your birth father, Eric.
Apr 25, 2018 @ 00:50:11
I’m so sorry that you lost your mother before you got to know her, Lynn. How wonderful, though, that other people hear her voice and recognise her mannerisms in you, even if you can only see your dad in the mirror.But she’s still with you.
Apr 25, 2018 @ 04:29:36
Yes, I know her through photographs and what others have told me. My dad remarried and I was blessed with another mother who loved me.
Apr 24, 2018 @ 22:37:08
Mannerisms inherited are so amazing…I’m glad you know these things.😊
Apr 24, 2018 @ 22:44:54
Me too, Kathy.
Apr 24, 2018 @ 21:42:59
Awe – in your eagerness and inquisitiveness… Lovely.
Apr 24, 2018 @ 22:43:56
Thank you, Margaret 🙂
Apr 24, 2018 @ 19:16:20
It’s peculiar how you inherited your mom’s mannerisms. I’ll bet she imprinted on you and you on her long before you could remember. That’s a wonderful story
Apr 24, 2018 @ 19:55:28
Thanks, Walt…yes, it’s interesting how I patterned her, a precious thought to me.
Apr 24, 2018 @ 20:17:50
Babies imprint from birth, your mom must have made a good impression
Apr 24, 2018 @ 20:19:32
She did, my heart remembers her.