Mom If Only I’d Known

A true story about a rebellious teenager who finds redemption

in seeking forgiveness at her mother’s grave only after

she realizes what her mother has done for her.

Life was tough in the village
Dad left to live his own life
It was just you and me against the world, Mum

I could see the city lights from our windows
Yet, our home was filled with darkness
and only stubby candles lit the night

I remember when you dropped me with Grandma
Life was better there, but I was lost to you
and my heart ached with blame – if only I’d known

If only I’d known – the education I abandoned
was your unspoken gift to me
But I took drugs, got pregnant, ran away

Life was marred with tantrums, shame and tears
I had been the worst version of myself
I showed no love and even less respect

Mom, all those times I cursed you for leaving me
If only I’d known – how you toiled away in a faraway land
shedding blood, sweat and tears for me

If only I’d known – you gave me everything I threw away
but the greatest gift of all, Mom,
was never giving up on me…
If only I’d appreciated all of your sacrifices
And the greatest sacrifice of all

your life… your best years for mine
I love you Mom, I do, I did, I always will…
I finally understand how brave you were
and you have finally returned home to me

Just you and me against the world again, Mum
And I can finally say thank you
as I sit with you now
beside your grave

#dreamadream

for my mom