I am Born

I am born; I am born of you -

You lying in this sterile faded ward -

One of many-

In a building echoing sounds

Of old hunger, suffocating air and decay.

Time passes here -

Slowly, quickly - does it matter?

She stares into shapes-

Oblivious to voices once familiar.

Gently I stroke her hand.

She smiles like a child -

I remember when I was the child

And she held mine.

Her skeletal form rests on the white linen sheets -

And as I trace each finger with my own

Tears blind my thoughts of -

Loving worlds made with her hands.

She is peaceful and smiles.

Did she say my name?

I move closer

Softly I kiss her thin white forehead.

'I love you Mam.' -

Words tumble through my tears.

An echo - 'I love you too'

Spoken with a smile but -

Without recognition.

Looking at her as I leave

Seeing her

Just lying, smiling, waiting -

I think -

I know you do Mam

You always did.

Angela M.C. D'Alton