Mother's Crossing

Three cycles have completed since
this memory begins...
on that fourth day of July
in the year 2002 After Death
the one who brought me to life...
gentle mother...patient teacher...lies waiting
her body weary with pain's heaviness
her spirit preparing for the journey which has begun

As fireworks explode and radiate their stars downwards
celebrating...her last hours of sweet life on Earth...
my mother's star is reaching...radiating upwards
in readiness for the journey...back...to the ancestors
the dark of night tick tocks towards the light of day
as my mother's spirit moves in and out of this reality...
and returns each time.... closer...to the great mystery...

I watch in sadness unspeakable
the crossing which brings her nearer...the other side
the brave ongoing struggle reflected in
her face...her eyes...her mouth...
tender givers of comfort...mirrors of undying love

As I hold my mother's hand tightly
I fear the time coming for us both...the approaching passing hour
which will bring the unstoppable change...
no longer will I look
upon her beautiful face...radiant as the sun
hear her lilting voice...calm and hopeful
feel the strength of life pulsing in her veins

Then...within the night's deafening silence
I hear songs...the morning songs of dawn's birds...
my passed sister's beloved companions...
sent to tell our mother 'let go'...
they have come to help her...
turn back towards earth no more
"Do you hear the birds songs" I whisper
not sure if she hears...or if she is here...still

My beloved mother looks upon me
with those eyes brought back from afar
by the calling sound of my voice...
from within the growing distance
she shakes her head to say "no..."
for she is too far along on her journey...
"well...they are singing " I tell her...gently....
"singing just for you..."

When the dark has turned to light
my mother's body is still...weary...
but her spirit is almost crossed...
no longer concerned with those left
to begin their mourning songs
soon...her body too lightens...
marking the crossing completed

Peace on earth has come at last
as my mother's spirit...freed...
continues her journey on the other side...
walking on the road of our ancestors
back to her Creator...
leaving her loved ones lost
to chant our mourning songs long...
as we begin our earthwalk without her
on this 5th day of July...