Haven

Alienated as a child by her
mother's harsh judgemental
criticism, the never-ending
demands and complaints, 
spurred by resentful memories
of her miserable childhood, she
took especially sensitive care
to instill a sense of entitled
confidence in her own offspring,
loving them unrestrainedly,
offering constant encouragement
and admiration for their many
and varied accomplishments,
proud of her part in their
successful transition to maturity
and self-responsibility. Lately,
she has withdrawn into herself,
sought refuge within her mind,
finding there shelter from the
reality of isolation, spurned by
her grown children. Their
disinterest in her too disturbingly
evident and real. Her struggle for
resilience and self-respect
impacted by neglect and alienation.
Leaving her so confused and alone
that the kindness of strangers in
whom she confides in her dreams
and who respond with the warmth
she so yearns for threaten to leave
her in a permanent paralysis of
self-induced slumber from which
that poor soul refuses to wake.