DEAR MOM

Dear Mum,

“La Da, La Da Da, La La La
La Da, La Da Di Da Da
La La La La La”

At the start of 2026, I wish you well, Mum.
A couple of years ago, you were in a car accident.
Miraculously, you survived without any physical injuries,
but it left you traumatized both mentally and emotionally.

You didn’t want us to worry about you.
You cried alone, not wanting us to see.
It makes me sad that you went through this by yourself.
Even though we were there for you physically,
you wanted someone who understood you deep down.

Your hands shake while you work and cook.
You always take medication to steady your mood—
your frustration, sadness, happiness, and joy—
riding an emotional roller coaster on your journey.

You listen to the same song,
like “Sunroof” by Nicky Youre, for an hour
to make yourself feel better
before, during, and after you drive.
You always sing:

“La Da, La Da Da, La La La
La Da, La Da Di Da Da
La La La La La”

You and I would dance in the car
on the way home, in traffic, and in the driveway.
At the end of the day, you’re in a good mood.
You always try your best to cheer yourself up.
I find you to be a very strong woman, Mum.

Dear Mum,
I want you to be well.
Your happiness and health matter to me.
Your body, mind, and heart need rest, Mum—
rest away from the bad memories.

I pray for you to be well, Mum.
I hope this year becomes a better year for you.
I love you, Mum. Always and forever.

Love, your daughter,
Seung Kyung Rhee.

“La Da, La Da Da, La La La
La Da, La Da Di Da Da
La La La La La
Mum.”

A Beyond Over the Blue Oasis

On Tuesday, summer arrived,
whispering through the wind
while sunlight hit my skin and hair.
The air feels deeper—like an ocean meeting the horizon.
A beach day: sunny, breezy, and perfectly warm.

A beyond over the Blue Oasis,
in the middle of chaos,
is where I can find peace and beauty—
away from heavy, loud, noisy life.

A quiet after turbulence,
where a secret sanctuary lies,
a place only I can be.
Just myself, alone in peace.

My resting place
is my healing and softness
for the year I went through—
a time to focus on myself
with gratitude and kindness.

Seung Kyung Rhee is a Korean-Australian poet whose work explores self-love, healing, emotional depth, and the quiet power of inner transformation. She began writing poetry as a way to rediscover herself, and her pieces are known for their softness, clarity, and reflective beauty. She is currently based in Australia, where she is studying nursing while continuing to write and grow her creative voice. Adelaide Literary Magazine marks her second formal publication.