Matrilineal

for Mum

 

You have never swerved

From your line of most resistance.  Resist

Investigations,

Resuscitation,

Drugs that lure you back

Into a life you

No longer desire.

 

You do not resist

Lines you still must write –

Calling out at night,

Dictating from sleep

Those final letters

Of friendship and love.

 

What a gift for us –

Your words – spoken with

A smile, still bright-eyed:

‘I have been so lucky.’

 

Since then, smile and eyes

Have faded, but still

You are majestic

As you sail into

Whatever happens:

You know we don’t know.

Courageously, you

Face it, yearn for it.

You are showing us

The way.  I thank you.

 

                      February 2016