At DWC, we have a monthly internal writing competition for our members. Poetry or prose, 150 word limit. You can find previous winners here.
For March, Tricia Pillay was our winner on the theme Freedom with this piece which is highly reflective of human nature.
Freedom
Picnic With Mum
As children they loved her calm reassuring control of their lives. It left them free to explore without concern for the mundane.
As teenagers their dislike of her control sometimes outweighed their love for her. They longed for their own lives.
As parents, they loved her well, especially for her willingness to care for their children.
When she was old their love was tested by her needs. They longed for the freedom of unencumbered lives.
Now she’s gone they yearn for the past.
‘Let’s go for a picnic on the sands. Like we did with Mum when we were kids.’
‘Orange squash, white bread, meat paste, homemade jam tarts, an apple – a Mum picnic on the sands.’
Mum has taken care of the mundane.
But they long for granary rolls, goats cheese salad.
They share memories, reliving Mum’s care of their children.
Bask in the freedom of unencumbered lives.