i prefer the lights dim, because that way i can't see the details on my skin...my dark circles, the little red spots speckled & scattered across my cheeks like a sky full of stars.

i'm going to miss her.

i will be fast asleep while she's high in the sky, on her way to paradise.

she will be worrying about us

she will be out at sea, in the middle of the north atlantic while i am counting the hours until she returns home.

"goodnight, mom"

i say to her one last time.

i love her

& i hope she knows that.