Mother Fear Not

“Mother dearest” I called, she had to have heard me. 

She sat in the kitchen, waiting for Mr. Guthrie

When he didn’t show, I knew she would sob

For 14 days now that’s been her job

She waited and waited until darkness took over

Drinking her wine and smoking her clovers

It started at 6, and ended at 10,

16 hours, though it seemed to never end

I worried for her as I walked through the house

Should I call the doctor or call Grandmother Fouts?

I called to her daily thinking she would answer

But she sat there and stared, with a pain worse than cancer

On the 17th day, that’s when it stopped

I heard Mr. Guthrie, say he’s been shot

The sound that followed, I will never forget

Mother dearest’s soul, escaping her chest.