Mum

I saw you last
in that northern town
standing on that platform
as the train slid away

It whisked me away
south, but eventually north
away from you
forever

I saw you last
in that northern village
amidst the remains
of ancient industry

The year before
you walked the hills there
Now you could only
look on as I disappeared

I saw you last
in that remote cottage
watching the owl at dusk
the pheasants at dawn

Slowly the decline
was gripping hold of you
dragging you down
but you knew we'd not meet again

You returned one more time
to that corner of the lonely hills
hoping I would come
as I had come the years before

I saw you last
after you had gone beyond this life
on that sunlight morning in May
I had gone - before you were gone