Neglect Caught Up

I think of the sparkle of your eyes, the life in your laugh & your aging, beautiful hair that I want to caress.
I want to wrap my arms around you & give you love you thought you didn't deserve.

But then, there you are. Right beside me.
You hug me & I do not feel good. I do not feel loved.
I just feel like I must hold still & hold you just as tight as you hold me.

"It will only be for a little bit", I reassure myself.

Nevertheless: I love you, Mom.