whispering love into her ear

i remember

whispering into my mother's ear

as she lay

in hospice

for six months, 

being fed

with eye droppers

like a small bird,

unable to speak, 

and now

with bed sores.

i told her to let go.

to let go.

it's okay, mom,

i said,

really, we're all good

here. your children

are fine.

all seven of them.

it's time, it's time.

feel free to let go.