Intimations of Mortality

by Jane Yolen

In the big brown chair,

my mother snuggled

with her cancer,

reading my story

about a boy who wanted

to stop time.

Intimations of mortality,

she said, adding a small chuckle,

as close to a catch of breath

she could handle.

I remember that,

sitting here with you.

Your cancer, a new passion,

between us, the third wheel,

your most intimate friend now,

the one none of us wanted

to invite to the christening.

I see a long sleep soon.

We are all fairy tales at the end.

* * * * *

Jane Yolen, author of 360+ books (actual number) including 8 books of adult poetry. Much of her work is for young readers, but she has a number of novels, essay collections, and pedagogical books for adult as well. www.janeyolen.com