Darleen Bell
In a world that can be so unkind, the writer’s expressions will surely evoke a nod from the reader as it calls to mind things we have all seen, heard, or felt.
The effect of the love of family is highlighted in “Baby Boy and “Thanks Gam.” Forgotten Freshness, and “A Cry For Help,” as well as others, will bring encouragement, hope and a brighter outlook to any who may feel down trodden as they are taken through a real life experience of one who had lost his way but was able to regain the strength and courage to go on.
There is not one poem here that one will not want to finish, and no page that one will not want to turn to next. This book will move your soul. It echoes human emotions dealt with on a daily basis, particulary by those who day after day, experience the perils of life in urban America. There is a need for everyone, everywhere, to pay attention.
Darleen Bell is an accomplished writer who received the Editor’s Choice Award for her work featured in the National Library of Poetry’s 1997 Edition. After her son was suddenly and tragically snatched out of her life, in Once A Mother, as she struggles with a grief that only a mother could fully understand, in her son’s honor, she highlights his gift of expression.
In view of the disturbing things that he saw going on throughout the world, as well as the reconstruction he was doing on himself after he had temporarily detoured down the path leading to destruction, he wrote from deep within his soul.
With the exception of the poems entitled “Once A Mother,” and “The Little Fellow,” which were written by Ms. Bell, the rest are all compositions belonging to her son, Michael, which she has assembled together, to share with others.
Once A Mother is a work without mask-thought provoking as well as intense. It will without a doubt, stir up each emotion that sits in the heart!
MOMMA I’M SORRY
Remember when I was small? We would play and laugh
and you would tickle my baby fat?
I would give anything to have those days back
remember when I was a baby and you used to rock me to sleep?
and when I got older and started school, you kept me so neat?
(and this is the thanks you get?)
Momma I’m sorry
I got mixed up trying to get some ghetto fame
when all along I was bringing reproach on your name
is it that I was born this way? Is it really all I know?
(Naw) it’s just the way I chose to go. Sorry momma
don’t think you’re the reason I ended up this way
you did a darn good job
these days I don’t even mind walking in the rain
it camouflages my tears but still doesn’t wash away the pain
Mom I want to see you smile
that’s a picture I haven’t seen in a while
mom it’s you I’ll always love
and I know that heaven sent you from above
A new leaf I’ve turned and truly believe me
my lesson I’ve learned
mom, I want to make your heart glad
because I’m tired of seeing your pretty face sad
Momma I’m sorry
