Impermanence

Walking past my reflection,

 I catch a glimpse of her-

gray t-shirt,

determined gait.

Hands and shoulders set rigid 

(from the early onset arthritis)

and the temps, so frigid-

as they were when she was here.

Thoughts- anxious 

Mind- full

Dark hair, sunken, large eyes-

worn and weathered.

Holding him close,

I catch a glimpse of the future-

last hugs before collegiate years.

A frozen moment that captures

almost two decades of

creating, nurturing, guiding, loving and tears.

Off he goes

into the wild blue yonder-

years like water,

a finite resource.

A young man follows,

as time swallows.

My mama-

in her, there's me,

now gone-

like I will be.

My son-

like me,

soon gone,

despite my plea.

Press pause.

Slow down.

Notice.

Gone tomorrow.

Be here now.