Distant Farewell

You were there when my screams were born
in your arms sating my hunger the milk of motherhood
feeding with love cradled in boundless affection
as I cried you pulled me in, the heart of your protection.


Through my years of wildness and in my self need
late nights of broken curfews and unanswered calls
disco light eyes Sunday lows that followed Saturday highs 
you were the constant that kept feeding, the nurturing demand.


Now you have departed and the world is totally changed
my goodbyes were distant calls that you could never hear
whispers in my sadness are anguished screams in the netherworlds 
and I keep you alive in my memories, thoughts fed by your love.

Ciaran Burke