my first and last memory of my mother

occurred on the same day

the day

she died

 

 

I awakened.

 

 

I always have

considered myself

 

A motherless daughter.

 

With two best friends:

grief and longing

these two have shadowed

Me for much of my life.

 

without these two

 

I would not believe

that I was

once

some woman's

daughter.