In the ebbing sorrow of a setting sun

the muted melody of life's music

masks a faded memory.

She no longer remembers my name.

Motionless and still,

she sits - trance-like,

staring at glowing embers

in a fire that no longer burns.

Sometimes, a wistful smile appears.

Life’s diary lost,

her chronicle of years mislaid,

she dredges deep;

casting nets

for memories

drowned in time.

Darkness speaks a distant tongue.

She calls my name.

For a moment

her broken mind

is whole again.

Now,

it is my turn to remember.

The joy of my mother's unbroken mind.