Mother, Where Are You?

Ruth N. Segres ©

The path is not as visible
As in days gone by.
Many didn’t come after you
It’s not that we didn’t want to or didn’t try.

You didn’t come back often
To expose us to where you had gone.
So, grass grew and the path was covered
Because it did not become worn.

Others like me stood on the field’s edge
Not knowing how to get across.
We hoped for and anticipated your return
And prayed that we wouldn’t remain lost.

We would at times venture into the field
But the grass eventually covered our head.
We would often become turned around
As we looked for the path that you had tread.

We no longer heard your voice in the distance
Saying, “This is the way you must come.”
We could hear no songs floating in the air
Eventually, we no longer heard your hum.

But many years we waited
Longing for your return.
Hopes faltering and failing
While wrestling with our concerns.

Concerns about our future
For we had no motherly advice.
No mother to tell us the truth
That being a woman minister comes at a great price.

Mother, you are my chosen teacher
A role model I need you to be.
I need your guidance and advice
I want you to mentor me.

Mother, where are you?
Will you once again return?
My heart aches for your wisdom
There is so much I need to learn.

At the omega of your life
On whom will you lay your hand?
On whom will you bestow the blessing
To continue your God given plan?

No longer, withhold your blessing
With you, I am willing to come.
I want you to lead the way
Because eventually I may have to lead some.

But if I know not the path through the field
Generations may be lost.
I want to come through the field mother
I am willing to pay the cost.

Mother, where are you?