6 poems

Poems for a Son from a Mother

Six original poems from a mother to her son about growing up, leaving home, ordinary care, disagreement and lasting trust.

A mother’s love for her son changes shape as he grows. It can become a packed lunch, a difficult truth, a quiet place to return to or the choice to let him make his own way.

These poems avoid perfect-family language and speak instead through recognisable moments between childhood and adult life.

warm·card

Mud on the Floor

You came home carrying half the field
on both small shoes.

I saw the floor first,
then your bright account
of the goal you nearly scored.

Some evenings love is choosing
the story before the broom.

tender·message

The Spare Key

The spare key still hangs
behind the blue cup,
though you have your own address now.

It is not a request to return.
Only a small metal sentence:
there is a door here
that remembers your hand.

strong·reflection

When We Disagree

I will not call every road safe
just because you chose it.
You will not become a child again
because I am afraid.

Let us leave the light on
without turning it into a leash.

hopeful·reading

Your Own Kitchen

In your own kitchen
you cut onions differently,
leave the radio too loud,
keep the good plates for Tuesday.

I taught you some things.
The rest you made while living.
That is the part
that makes me proudest.

playful·message

No Speech Today

No speech today.
Just take the warm coat.
Text when the train arrives.
Eat something before midnight.

You know the old instructions.
Underneath each one,
clumsy and constant,
is I love you.

quiet·birthday

The Name I Gave You

I gave you a name,
not a map.

You have carried it through rooms
I will never enter,
introduced it in your own voice,
answered for it yourself.

My work was never to own the journey,
only to bless the traveller.

Mud on the Floor

The Spare Key

When We Disagree

Your Own Kitchen

No Speech Today

The Name I Gave You

Keep reading

Poems for a Daughter From a Mother

Poems About Sisterhood