MOM\'S LAST VISIT, JULY 2002

1.
Mother mother now that you’ve unpacked your suitcase 
You must be sitting on the balcony staring at the street

2.
Sleeping for as long as I 
Sleeping for as long as I’m not home 
But you’ve had vital waking moments 
As the children were going in and out 
Going back 
And forth

3.
I’m still alive after everything I’ve been through, 
You said

4. 
I’m sitting at the wooden kitchen table, exhausted. 
I can’t even make you a cup of coffee. 

5. 
“Just a bite to taste” mother says about everything. 
Laugh all you want but she only eats things that 
are tasty and fresh. In her fridge I always find 
Kerezet - a pink cream cheese my sister makes, 
And smoked fish or salami, and bread.
 
6. 
On Margie’s table there’s always some 
Butter, she said. Since then I always give her 
At the end of a meal 
Bread and some butter.
 
7. 
And malt. Mom loves malt 
And club soda. Two months ago 
She started to drink beer. 

8. 
Is there gas in the car? Sitting on the red stairs, 
Awaiting her evening drive in the car. 
When I’m up to it, Mom, we’ll go to the coffee shop. 

MOM’S LAST VISIT, JULY 2002