I know they came for her
late that night
after all the goodbyes, and all the tears
and another comforting doctor's words.
I know they came silently
wordlessly
gently settling her onto a bed with wheels
to carry her deep into that final night,
for anointing and grooming,
preparing her
while I flew thousands of miles
to see her one last time,
preparing myself
for her final rite of passage,
a celebration of her life
in words and tears.
We all comforted one another
gathering around her
one last time.
I know they came for her
but I've never felt this way before,
I've never had these images.
This time it was different,
this time
it was mother.