Mamma's Got A New Thesaurus —or More Than One Way To Say "I Love You"
So stunned was I when you told me
That my words just cause you pain.
As a mother it hurt me to think my
Saying "I love you" elicited shame,
Though it was long ago you said this,
I'm too gutless to ask you why.
Now I trust the mother/son wound,
Is mended as time has ambled by.
Even with the limit placed on me
I haven’t changed the way I feel.
Those "three little words," as they say,
By other means can be revealed.
You see, I have a new thesaurus,
And I know how to use it well.
Didn't want to hear "I love you?"
Perhaps these phrases the story will tell.
Good news, my son, I “adore” you!
(A synonym found under “love”).
I adore all things about you, Orlando,
Some which I have written of.
First, I’m “fond” of your humor,
How you laugh with such ease,
While trying not to offend others
When you are aware of their irony.
I “cherish” your frequent phone calls
Just to see how I am doing.
It means much that you think of me,
Curious about what’s brewing.
I “treasure” your piano playing,
Especially “Music Box Dancer.”
And when you play Scott Joplin
I can see the risk-taking gamblers.
I “value” your opinion on my writings
I’m glad you support my literary pursuit
For without your kind encouragement
I might not have recorded this muse.
Do you know I “idolize” you
For your kind and gentle nature;
For your calm example of patience;
For your being such a good listener?
I “dote on” your humorous writings,
How they always make me laugh.
Your surprise endings are inventive,
Though sometimes they make me gasp!
I “revere” your kindness and concern
For those who struggle through life;
Your tenderness and understanding of
People who deal with pain and strife.
I “admire” your artistic talent
And wish I could say it was my doing
But I must concede that the artist gene
Was from another’s genetic pooling.
There are many more expressions
And I could go on and on and on
But alas, my ode to you must end,
As this paper won’t fit more po-om
(I know that doesn’t really rhyme
But I’m taking poetic license,
It has just been too much fun
Turning around my emotional crisis!)
So, Son, there are more ways to say
"I love you," with sentiments sublime.
Like “smitten, enamored, and worship”
However I just can’t make them rhyme.
I love you so much, Orlando
Okay, THERE! I’ve said it!
And If you take pleasure from this
I will humbly take all the credit.
Orlando, I hope you know I am serious
When I say you mean everything to me.
My child, my son, my offspring,
A prouder mother there could never be.
Naida Lavon 2009