A plastic bag
instead of a Corel plate;
a long flexible tube
replaces the fork and the spoon.

Cream colored liquid
with a unappetizing taste,
poured into the bag
drip dripping
the length of the tube.

Liquid nourishment
a formula for health,
cans of pure gold
for a person who can't eat.

I hate the term feeding
and calling it formula;
makes it sound like an infant
instead of an adult.

But it is wonderful,
this smooth flowing stuff;
she is feeding herself now
no longer afraid of the process.

My Mom has such courage,
an unseen inner strength;
she wants to live now,
it's no longer a harbinger of death
she has seen the progress
in increased weight.

I'm proud of her
seeing this through;
a weight lifted from my shoulders
our optimism has been renewed.