The author with her mom when Carol visited to say goodbye. Saturday, 21 June 2014. Falls Church, Virginia.

I sit here by my mother’s bed
While she slowly drifts off,
And quickly drifts off.

The swift sleep comes in this life,
The slow sleep leads her to the next.

Will she dream?
I know not how, or of what.

But I know
Dreams she may have
Will be lifted on angels’ wings
To carry her home,
To carry her home.