Amends

The hurting inside of me that I can not touch;

The yearning for a time lost long ago.

The mother's love that can heal all wounds,

Is dying as she fights to live each day.

Pain of her flesh and bones-torturous-

compared to my battered childhood soul;

Torn and tainted rag of a memory-

Her suffering is at the forefront now.

The here and now will pass too quickly;

Her agony lengthy and unjustified.

Sinking in the depth of her torment with her

No room to spare for my own distress.

My presence amends her ancient absences;

Unconditional balance of the scale.

No blame, only consequence,

No time left to barter or borrow.

Our eternity has met the timekeeper;

No mistakes left unmade.

Taking the punishment for her pain?

Fate has dealt that hand before.