it was
6AM or
7 the
night shift
nurse’s aide
changed the subject: 
you’re so strong.
she frowned and
swayed
towards my arms
my lips took on
a faint smile my
eyes slid across 
nothingness.

earlier that
morning around
1:30 or so
from my mother’s
throat I heard that
first subtle 
pop
that
unhappy flutter:
it only comes
at the worst times.
our hands
laced for hours
we moved
tothat crescendo.
everything’s alright.
it’s okay to let go.

suddenly 
then
her
skin
it
rose
as if lifted
underneath by
one thousand
rows of
diamonds
her flesh
forged
into those
breathtaking scales;
sliding,
flooring, 
silently
bonding:
a dark,
shimmering
panoply.
claws
from nails.
teeth to
fangs.
those wings
rippled outward.
on each exhale
the kindest fire 
glowed from her lips.

rested,
armored, 
the purring dragon 
took flight
towards
that other realm.
that crucible
of joy inside her.
those mighty wings.
forever leaving.