PEACE LILIES AND WHITE CARNATIONS

Maisy Shaw

My mother had said the feeling would pass 
But my fingers yellow with Peace Lily pollen stains 
As I place the flowers into a chipped pint glass.

We didn’t know how little or long she’d last, 
The disease ferocious, taking her body’s reins.  
My mother had said the feeling would pass, 

That all she wanted was to be in peace at last, 
Without bruises, without aches, without pains. 
I place the flowers into a chipped pint glass. 

I never knew the helplessness it would cast 
As I watched the life inside her slowly drain. 
My mother had said the feeling would pass. 

The petals and plants her memory amassed 
Give her vacant and sterile room life again 
As I place the flowers into a chipped pint glass. 

There aren’t enough wishes, not enough cash 
To rid the black hole life without you contains. 
My mother promised the feeling would pass 
But I’m still putting flowers into a chipped pint glass.