Mother            

It seems it was not long ago I stared
into your twinkling eyes and gazed upon
your face. How clear your skin, how creamy white
and tight about your bones. Your make-up applied
with Hollywood pizzazz. Your brown hair flowed
to shoulder length with ends that curled under.
Your crimson lips would kiss my head or cheek
and a smile would cross my face. Your energy
was boundless, your dreams still fresh and unfulfilled.
It seems it was not long ago I stared
into that face and yet so much has changed.

Your wrinkled face is sallow, your hair is short
and gray. Your yellow cotton pinafore
replaced by an ugly blue hospital gown.
Gone the laughter; gone the dreams.
You long for peace and no more pain. But I
am selfish. I can’t bear to say goodbye.

by Candyce Nathanson-Goldstein

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