For Mama

For the first time, in a Strauss waltz
We discerned your quiet, haunting calling.
Now, we feel estranged from living souls,
And we find the racing clocks consoling,

And we welcome sunsets, just like you,
And get high when we expect the end.
You made us rich and better nights ensue
Since you’ve filled our hearts again.

You lived to serve our dreams and never tired.
(Without you, only the moon sees them)
You quickly led your children past the dire
And bitter life, full of concerns and cares.

Since we were kids, we loved the broken-hearted,
And knew that life at home was not for us.
We picked a dismal day to leave the harbor
And now our ship is tossed by every gust.

The azure island of our childhood drifts farther,
We stand alone upon the deck, in disbelief.
It appears that for your daughters, mother,
You’ve bequeathed just melancholy grief!