Thirty some years have passed yet she remains

A part of me, and full of looks like me.

Blue, deep skies in the Fall, the air is clean

and fresh; I watch my breath as clouds break through

Great peaks- this mountain journey continues.

Yet I dwell heavy thoughts of her life: she’s free

as birds, my daughter soars inside my heart,

Her sight and strength in spirit I do weep

in envy, a vicarious dream repeats.

Each autumn when the sunshine cools

my happiness that once shone bright grows dim.

My mind takes over in her Chance unleashed.

Another mother-daughter fate it brings,

By Nature we will be dear friends again.

I love this season of her gentle birth,

My greatest pain, she fills a crucial role- 

to be my joy and light this time around.

As I walk rocky steps until my Death,

My lifelong prayer that mine will come before,

and she will be the last to know what’s best.

by Nisa West