Episode 94 – The Body

i breathe into her mouth
to bring life
as she once did for me
but she’s cold
like a lake in winter

    please don’t hurt her

how can she be my mother
one instant
and the next
just a body

* * *

Grief is silent.
Grief is screaming,
lying in swatches of color 
strewn around the room.

She will never 
breathe 
again

or, or 
brush her hair

or watch silly shows on television
or fix breakfast
or worry about her daughter.

She’s alone now.
In a room
where it’s okay
to be cold.

Her hair
lies in quiet curls
against her head.
Her eyes focused 
on family 
I can’t see.

The dark corridors 
of death 
are lined with
my shortcomings.

I am lost and alone
in the space
surrounding her
missing life.