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A couple of years ago, working at our stall, selling our delicious home-made fudge in the sunshine on Mindarie Keys boardwalk, with the seagulls, boats and water slapping, I suddenly saw my mum.She’s been gone for many years, but still, caught unawares…
This customer looked so like; sounded very similar and her mannerisms – even her stature – she could have been my mum! I just couldn’t take my eyes off her.
Although we were six deep with customers, I took off after her, rushing to catch up before she disappeared – desperate not to lose ‘her’ – again!
I can’t remember what I said which convinced this lovely lady from Tasmania, to sit with me on a stone wall in the sunshine with crowds walking around us, and let me tearfully explain.
So many similarities; English upbringing, boarding school, love of books, music, nature, roses and her huge garden at home where she grew a lot of what she needed to eat.
Probably, she said, why her son turned to cooking – he was a visiting celebrity chef and she had come over to keep him company.
Needing to hear her talk, watch her eyes smiling at me in gentle understanding, eventually – reluctantly, gave her a hug ‘goodbye’. (Living down south, I hadn’t been able to…)
Hubby had to carry on, cope on his own with a rush of Fudge-a-holics, while I cried for my loss, all over again.
Sleep
I can
only consider
soft eyes
repose
calm, sweet face
small breaths’til I realise
they’re mine.I breathe
and contemplate
the alternative
only when
someone asks…Frances Macaulay Forde © 2006
#FMFPoems, #MissingMum #Poetry #Loss #Strangers #Fudge
Perth Words... exploring possibilities. 
I was very moved by this piece.
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Thanks for reading, Liz. Yes, seems unbelieveable I know, but honestly, I thought for a moment it was Mum! (I lost her in 1980.) Such an uncanny likeness in looks, voice, speech – then when we talked, so many similarities in their life experiences… she was so patient and kind. It still affects me. x
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