Creature Speak

Tell me it doesn’t hurt anymore, Mother.
Reach out from where you are.

I’m still here, on Earth, 
haunted by the fear 
that there were moments
when I didn’t love you enough.

Or worse, 
that you didn’t know I did.
Tell me you knew, 
and that you know now.

Give me a sign that says 
I did it right in the end, 
and that it’s so beautiful 
where you are, you forgot 
the taste of the bitter medicine.

Tell me it was worth it, Mother.

Tell me the pain and terrible harshness
delivered you to peace and softness 
so vast you have to close your eyes 
to take it all in.

Tell me you like it there, Mother.  
That it’s better for you.

Tell me I gave you a great gift 
when I let you go.
Touch the light in the sky and tell me
it made you whole.

That the hole in my heart 
from releasing you
is a sign I set you free.

Reach out from where you are,
beyond the realms of blood 
and bones and suffering.

Tell me you are happy and peaceful
and I will be grateful for the ache
that keeps the memory of you 
alive inside of me

until I can dance with you 
again in the light.

© 2023, Sheya Forest