Before I knew, a happy family holiday of 5

turned out to be our last chance all together 

it was the very last time my Mum saw her son

and that was almost 3 years before she is gone

Before I knew, when I left the hospital that night 

turned out to be our last time together on this earth 

it was the very last time I was in her loving presence 

and we were not there when she took her last breath 

Before I knew, grief suddenly knocked on my door

I had to organise everything and choose items 

that I had never thought I would need so soon

whilst I was devastated by her shocking departure 

Before I knew, I lost the greatest lady I ever knew 

I was utterly paralysed by her unexpected absence 

that I could not comprehend the profound impact 

and certainly I could not accept she is here no more