She slipped away while I was en route, flying cross-country, my head bowed in sorrow, quietly sobbing
An easy touchdown belied my troubled heart . Anxiety gripped me. I tried to shoulder my way to the plane’s exit door , but a woman in front of me checked my rush, ending hopes of a quick exit from the plane, but
- If she had not, would I have made it in time to say goodbye?
Should I have screeched, ‘My mother is dying, let me out?’
A brother collected me and drove us, and another brother met us
we wept
**
Lying peacefully on hospital sheets,
a gentle smile uplifted her lips, smooth and serene lips
I stroked the back of her hand,
awed
at the exquisite softness of her skin
I ran my fingers over her velvety , sleek and elegant hands
that had loved me, raised me
and amazed me with her artistry.
**
I sat lightly stroking the tops of her hands,
soothing touches filling
my heart
and my memory,
helping me
say goodbye
Copyright © 8/16/2025 by Andrea O. Corwin
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About the Creator
Andrea Corwin
🐘Wildlife 🌳 Environment 🥋3rd° See nature through my eyes
Poetry, fiction, horror, life experiences, and author photos. Written without A.I. © Andrea O. Corwin
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Comments (14)
Gently and tenderly written.
This is a rough, but unwanted and unavoidable club to be a part of...sucks BIG time! You captured this unfolding with the gravitas it deserves, and you brought sooo many readers (like me) with you 😭
Your words really capture the love and grief of saying goodbye.
What a beautiful way to say good-bye and it reminded me of when I had to say good-bye to my mom and dad, but actually I said, 'See you later on another day.' I will see them again just not sure on the particular day that will be.
This is so sad, but beautiful.
Such a touching tribute your love and grief speak through every gentle touch and memory.
Beautiful, Andrea. That's all that needs to be said.
Omg, Andi, such a beautifully elegant and eloquent tribute to your mom. Love how you described her hands.
“amazed me with her artistry” Such beautiful imagery! I love this piece! It reminds me of how I was the night my grandmother passed.
This was so heartbreaking 🥺 Sending you lots of love and hugs ❤️
This is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. If lost SO many people in the last six years, so it hit home. So well written and touching.
Ethereal and deeply sad and beautiful all at once ♥️
Gorgeous work Andrea! So sorry 4 your loss...
This was incredibly moving. The way you captured those final moments with such tenderness made me pause and reflect. Your words carried both the ache of loss and the beauty of love that lingers — truly heartfelt writing.