Flowers Like Memories Grow

Summary

The poem "Flowers Like Memories Grow" by Mark Tulin is a touching tribute to the author's mother, drawing parallels between the nurturing of plants and the enduring love and lessons she provided.

Abstract

"Flowers Like Memories Grow" is a poignant poem that uses the metaphor of gardening to celebrate the memory of the author's mother. It depicts her as a source of comfort and unconditional love, always present in times of need, much like the ever-present flowers in a garden. The poem recalls cherished moments they shared, such as enjoying a Dodger game and her culinary delights, as well as her cultural influence and virtues like kindness and forgiveness. Despite her physical absence, her spirit and teachings continue to flourish within the author, symbolized by the resilient marigold. The poem concludes with a nod to the cyclical nature of life and the enduring legacy of the mother's love and wisdom.

Opinions

The author conveys a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for his mother's qualities, such as her patience, kindness, and ability to forgive.
The poem suggests that the mother's influence is everlasting, as it continues to grow within the author, akin to the perennial growth of flowers.
There is a strong emotional connection between the act of gardening and the nurturing of family bonds, as both require care and attention.
The author seems to find solace in the memories of his mother, which are as comforting and reliable as her presence used to be.
The references to specific cultural experiences, like enjoying Mexican rice and speaking Spanish, highlight the richness of the heritage passed down from the mother to the author.

Poem

Photo of Mexican marigolds by author, Mark Tulin

You collect green succulents, Orchids and geraniums To commemorate your mother Like soothing words of maternal memories Her gentle patience blossoms In times of need and illness The undoing of dreams The days too ashamed to tell Your mother was there With harmony’s gardening tools Greeting you at the gate Giving you a garland of unconditional love Tending to your patch of sorrow

She was a teacher and friend Sharing cotton candy at a Dodger game Taking pictures of plants at an arboretum Scooping Mexican rice with a tortilla Serving a plate of chicken and beans She taught you her Spanish ways Treating people with courtesy, kindness — gentileza And forgiving their unintended mistakes Going to family events and cheering them on Celebrating her grandchildren’s birthdays Today, your mother’s roses lie scattered on her grave Her Meyer lemons have fallen from the vine But her spirit grows; blooms within you like a marigold.

Flowers Like Memories Grow

Poem

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