so many tables
stacked with catalogs
and coffee cups
our long discussions
cluttered with memories
and
relatives
long renting spaces
underground
potential plans made
like guest beds in our minds
favorite tv shows
devouring our
afternoons and evenings
together
dotted with
occasional power
struggles
minds at odds
a generational
dissonance
the backdrop
for the need
to leave the nest
again
freedom I sought
and liberty
was gained
now
flash forward
less than a decade
later
and you
are wrapped
in a mere
flesh shell of existence
no longer engaged
in this world
with anything
but breath
and discomfort
thankful
for tender mercies
am I
for you
still remember me
for
now
I have begun to lose my mother to some form of dementia over the past 2 years .I have to relive old conversations from years and decades past , because she cannot actually discuss anything really anymore . She is repetitive and circular in nature now and short term memory is getting worse. She was so sharp witted .We had a rough mother -daughter relationship. She does love me , and I am an only child.My father takes care of her currently and they live several states away from me .She hardly laughs anymore.It is sad for us all to see her disappearing.