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!