Mother

You named me daughter so
Exile began. Mostly
We became. Stars tripled
Like chrysalis. We took turns
Meeting each other. You were once
A painter. Until you weren’t but
A figment. Synonym for mother.
Cherry brushstroke night. I
Cradled your collarbone. Soaring
I feigned simplicity in
Cessation. Together, our mouth
Chalked a brief &repetitious melody.
When I am halfway above
You are, I clutch your vanishing breath
At last for the first time.

Jason Theriault is a Canadian writer and poet.