MAMA

I awoke this mornin’
calling for Mama,
then I started to cry

I try to be strong
to face tomorrow’s
sorrows that are get-
ing hard to consume

No one can hurt you
in that place out-there,
If only I can make
it soon

To annihilate life’s
ever-present gloom

My troubles be
another bad dream
& my depression all
but consumed

— Ray Laccetti