A Mother's Cries

The CEO commands in pressed Armani
He read reports and hit the graphs
“I demand better!” he screams in rage
Shoddy performance; deserved wrath.

“I rule my company with an iron fist!”
Words the employees knew were true
Bowing their heads, they hid their shame
To admit regret was all they could do.

A buzz from the intercom halts the tirade
She states, “Sir, you have an urgent call.”
Exasperated, he throws his ballpoint down
He stomps out; grabs the phone in the hall.

“This better be important!” he says on his end
“Charlie?” comes the elderly reply.
“Hi, Mama,” he says as he softens his tone,
“What’s wrong?” he asks as he hears her cry.

“Have you heard from your father?” she asks
“He didn’t come home to me last night.”
His brow furrows as he hears her speak,
Searching for the words to ease her fright.

He hears her panic and worries for her
Gently he tells her, “It’s gonna be okay.”
“But, it isn’t!” the elderly woman persists,
“He left last night and isn’t back today!”

“He left last night?” her son repeats.
“Yes, he went out for some bread.
He isn’t back yet and I’m missing him.”
Her voice is shaky, filled with dread.

“Mama, try to remember,” he urges gently.
“Remember what?” she demands to know.
He shakes his head and closes his eyes,
“Dad left this earth many years ago.”

Before hanging up, he speaks to her nurse
And to his mother, he expresses his love
“I’m sorry you’re having a rough day today.”
He hangs up looking for strength from above.

He walks back into the boardroom silent
He slams the door; they jump at the warning.
“Where was I?” he thunders across the room.
Business as usual; his hidden cries are internal.