now the grief is sharp
   my mother, oh, my mother
   come back, please, come back
 
   let me hear your voice
   let me touch your hand
   let me kiss your cheek
 
   you are dear to me, so dear
   my heart breaks that you have gone
   between one breath and the next you were gone
 
   oh, Mother, my mother
   return to me
   I want you back
 
   the pain is sharp
   but no one returns from that last departure
   I know it even as I beg for your return
 
   between one breath and the next, you slipped from the flesh
   freed spirit sitting easily, smiling
   you stood without thought, happy, and walked onward
 
   there is no crossing the same river twice
   I struggle with that truth
   longing for you
 
   longing
 

In memory of my mother:
Too Late
Beacons Unreachable
Upwelling
Beauty in the Close
Missing Her
Grievous Loss