She said she was fine

He had just left us and
mom was trying to be
strong - to not show how
much she was torn
by this sudden departure

Her heart, with its broken
chords and unnamed
cries, was screaming out
a love song dedicated to him,
but he never heard it

It became heavy - so heavy
in her rib cage - it was unbearable

She complained of some dizzy
spells, some pains here and
there... this heartache of hers
proved to be toxic

...almost lethal

That night she fell into the
cold embrace of her bed
and greeted her pillow with
tears and she was lulled to
sleep by the hammering of her
heart