She grasps the silver blade

using her thumb to guide.

She digs the blade into the skin

peeling with gentle force

the flesh turning tawny

she picks up the skinned flesh

and takes a bite

into it's juicy pome

He entered with a resounding cry.

His senses were overwhelmed

but he was hushed by a familiar voice.

Pressed against her opulent ivory skin

he looks up and their eyes lock.

She feeling unwavering love as

he feeling safe and snug.

For they are mother and son

a bond unbreakable.

I'm sorry for not being there

but you were my world.

and you left

for another life

for another family

for another me.

And I resented you for that.

So when you came to me

ill and frightened

I didn't know if your atonement

was sincere

or out of fear

but I forgave you anyways.

As time went by

the sicker you looked

and the sicker you looked

the more scared I was to see you.

I didn't want those memories.

I wanted to go back.

Back to our television lounging

soda burping

fried chicken eating days.

I didn't want memories of PICC lines

and your frail frame unable to move.

Cancer slowly took your body.

but never your soul.

You were my papa,

my beer-drinking, chicken-eating best friend.

And I'm sorry for not being there.

Wake up! Shouts the rooster

for dawn is upon us.

Wake up! Chirps the bird,

for my breakfast is waiting.

Wake up! Blooms the flower

for the sun blesses me with warmth

Wake up! Yips the puppy

for I must investigate the outdoors

Wake up! Drips the coffee

for it’s time to awaken your body.

Wake up! Squeals the child

for I”m hungry & the world has yet to be explored.

Wake up!

for sleep misses out on a new day.