More Than Memories Remain

Have you ever witnessed
An entire family in pain
All clutching to their center
As she slowly fades away
Both her hands are held so gently
And with love each cheek is brushed
As all her grieving children plead
"Let go you've hurt enough"
And as we forced those words
That we knew she had to hear
Inside we yearned "Don't go!"
Because we knew the time was near
Though her eyes had closed forever
And she had no strength with which to speak
Through the pain she forced a smile
So we'd think her torment ceased
We stayed thus until she was gone
No words were there to say
I kissed her forehead gently
Then they took my mom away


A few months have passed since then
And each day goes as before
Except when I see her touch in me
And that sadness cuts straight to core
The memory more sharp than real life
Because I didn't know how masked
I kept my soul in silence
On the day that was her last
And now to late I feel it
When no longer is she here
To show what she really was in me
To know my endless tears
For I never talked about it
Though I knew her time was slim
Those endless things I failed to share
My blind denial locked within
But what hurts the most to me
My sons, so like the one she lost
May never kiss your face
So I mourn with every memory
Force myself back through each day
In hope the miracle of my mother
Can in her teachings live always