I should’ve known
A mother is supposed to have an instinct
I guess mine went astray.
I can’t even begin to comprehend
The immensity of her anguish.

I should’ve seen her changing.
Her sunshine became a harsh storm.
She used to be a straight A student,
A regular volunteer at the retirement home,
Her voice was like a lark’s.

I should’ve seen the signs.
Her clothes became baggy.
She began to favor long sleeves.
There was a desperate pain behind her kind brown eyes.
How could I be so blind?

I should’ve seen her spiraling
down
down
down.
I could’ve been her light during her darkest days.

I should’ve hugged her tighter,
held her closer.
I wish I could tell her how much I love her
just one
more
time.