Our Numbered Days - Tumblr Posts

Our Numbered Days

by Neil Hilborn

When my mother dies, I will lead her like a dog into the space between our walls, which is just like the space between here and always, the king and the kingdom.

I will lead her by the hand if she be blind, and I will wag my tail against her knees if she be afraid, and I will leave her at the gate.

Life on earth will, in some ways, be easier.

I will not have to return her phone calls. I will not have to feel guilty when I want to hear no more, no more about the divorce. I won't cry though I will want to cry though I will hate myself for not crying.

When my mother dies, if I am still alive, I will slouch on my knees as though in prayer, I will write one or two poems, and I will no longer think of her.