Peek a Boo

5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Peek a boo! I laughed so hard I could barely breathe

Peek a boo, I don’t know why it’s so funny but I can’t help but laugh

Peek a Boo, my mother stands in front of me with her eyes wide open with a smile only an angel could replicate

Surprise Surprise she replied everytime

“Cover your eyes hunnie cover your eyes or I won’t disappear”

She held my hands and laid them over my eyes until darkness replaced the light

I whisper 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 imagining my mother’s sweet smile I yelled Peek a boo!

My mother’s eyes were wide open

But this time she seemed different

Her gentle smile was replaced by a dark, wrinkled frown

Her hands pressed against her chest, grasping for air, she fell backwards with a thump onto the ground

I ask, “Mom…mom?” Silence answers

I cover my eyes and I count down once more

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Peek a boo! Her smile didn’t return nor did she move at all

Once more, Peek a boo! Silence answers

Peek a boo! Peek a boo! Peek a boo! I said over and over

I’m 19 now and I still play that game

Because it’s the only time I will ever see my mother’s smile again

Comments

Additional Resources

Get AI Feedback on your poem

Interested in feedback on your poem? Try our AI Feedback tool.
 

 

If You Need Support

If you ever need help or support, we trust CrisisTextline.org for people dealing with depression. Text HOME to 741741