Mother

As she slept

Eyebrows creased, eyes shrunk, I opened the door, letting the light outside fall over her face.

I quickly sneaked in and swiped the curtain silently.

In the dimness of a bulb, her face was a setting sun.

Her lips, parted, had a whistling sound as she breathed.

I went close, swiftly kissed her forehead.

Her under-eyes-skin bulged out a bit more than before.

They demanded my touch.

I moved back.

In my blanket, I assured myself- she looked pale but alive.

And I slept.