Mother

There you lie
skeletal hands
sunken eyes
Staring, silent, softened.
Oh where oh where
the smile that lights your eyes?

You sailed through life, a queen
in warm summer days
days of yore when
there was love and laughter
loving, caring and feeding
everyone who came

Your home was blessed.
A safe haven
for the tired feet
to rest and recover.
All who stopped by
savoured your abundance.

Now you lie with frozen hands
staring, silent, softened
As winter makes its way
to shield you in its warmth.