Poem - When Two Worlds Collide

Mom and I had a huge telephone fight on her birthday in 1994. I was 19 and living away from home. I couldn't admit it to her then, but with reflection I knew I was wrong. So, quite late that night I wrote it down on paper. The next year I gave her the poem as her birthday present, as an apology. We both cried. I thought it might be appropriate to share it with the world. Maybe there's a stubborn 19 year old out there who can't find the words, or a mom who doesn't see that her son does love her. Best of luck to you both.


When Two Worlds Collide

So long we lived in different worlds that battled day and night.
Too many times the words we spoke were meant none but to fight.
Our younger days you won your way, but that could never last,
For the little boy that once you knew was aging much too fast.

My world was but a freedom in which all the rules were mine.
And once I thought I learned it all I left your world behind.
No longer were there pleasures that you would not allow.
I could choose what I saw fit, I grew unloving and proud.

Yet you gave me all you owned, your world was filled with love.
You wouldn't turn away from me, from what I had become.
You offered loving guidance showed me stepping-stones for life.
I fought against your every word and cut you like a knife.

Our worlds have since collided and now I live in yours.
I see the world that you saw, its cruelties and horrors.
And then I see your love for me although a selfish boy.
Still wishing me a heavenly life of happiness and joy.

If I could take back what I've done, the tears that I have caused.
If I could replace the memories, and time that we have lost.
The example I set for everyone was likely my greatest sin.
I hope from you, I hope from God, that I can be forgiven.

I love you more than words can say. There'll never be another.
There are so many dear to me, but I only have one Mother.
I know I'm not a perfect son, but you are not to blame.
For you are the perfect Mother, God help you never change.

Terry Murray
August 13, 1994