Psalm 146:4

On mothers Day of 2021 I posted a piece on this blog. In it, I wonder what mothers who have lost their children in death feel on May 9th of every year. Today I revisit that write-up and attempt to be less abstract. I try to discuss my “Mother with no child” in this particular article.

In a world where joy and sorrow intermingle, the heart-wrenching experience of parents losing their children prematurely stands as one of life’s most profound tragedies. This sentiment is beautifully encapsulated in my “Mother with no child.” The poem portrays a poignant image of parental grief and resilience, capturing the complex emotions that weave through the shades of a mother’s heart.

The initial lines of the poem set the stage for a journey into the depths of loss. The radiant smiles of the children become a distant memory, an ethereal presence that lives on in the imagination. The use of “invented possibilities” illustrates the pangs of yearning that the parents grapple with—a desire to envision a reality where their children’s lives continue to flourish.

The poem delicately portrays the mother’s struggle to reconcile her emotions in the face of others’ happiness. This contrast between the facade of maternal contentment and the underlying sadness emphasizes the silent ordeal parents endure as they witness the lives of other children progressing, while their own beloved offspring’s existence has been reduced to a memory.


The yearning for a complete household, one filled with laughter and playfulness, remains unfulfilled. The image of a shadow encapsulates the bittersweet nature of memories—their ability to evoke warmth yet remain just out of reach. The parents’ hearts ache for the tangible presence of their children, a presence now manifested only in intangible echoes.

Amidst the ache, the poem extols the enduring power of a mother’s love. This unbreakable bond transcends the boundaries of life and death, a testament to the profound connection that continues to thrive despite the physical separation.

The verses also touch on the emotional conflict that lingers. The notion of “mixed sentiments” captures the duality of emotions that come with reminiscing—a blend of happiness for the memories shared and sorrow for the future that will never be realized.

Yet, there’s a transformation, an evolution through pain. The process of healing becomes evident as the poem progresses. The parents embrace their memories with a renewed strength, channeling their grief into a hopeful anticipation of a reunion in the afterlife.

As time becomes an ally, acceptance takes root. This evolution from the rawness of grief to a place of acceptance underscores the resilience of the human spirit.

The poem concludes with a poignant acknowledgment of the paradox. The immense tragedy of losing such a unique bond is acknowledged, yet the final stanza paints a picture of resilience—a smile that emerges from the depths of pain.

The closing lines encapsulate the essence of the poem’s message. The journey through sorrow and hope is portrayed as a shift in life’s perspective. The parents endure grief with the knowledge that their enduring hope will lead them to reunite with their children, and that their bright smiles will once again illuminate their lives.

In essence, “Their Bright Smile” is a shade woven with the threads of loss, love, resilience, and hope—a tribute to the profound strength of parents who navigate the uncharted territory of grief while holding onto the radiant memories of their children.


Revelation 20:12-13