I am submerged in a freezing cold sea
With waves beating mercilessly
And tugging at my whole being
I am aware of my mother alongside me

Suddenly she starts to sink
I’m overcome with panic
I need to save her
I need to help
I need to rescue

I wake to a morning song
Of birds singing their happy tune
Relief washes over me
As the sun shines brightly

I will see my mother in a while
She is not dead but is well
For I spoke to her yesterday
And heard her quiet voice

A knock at the door pulls me out my reverie
Officers at my door
There was an accident
And I need to know
My mother is no more

In a split second I realise
Dreams are no longer dreams
And a nightmare is real

My father was on his last cents
There was no money in the bank
Or in his wallet
In the morning he fried the remainder of
The frozen meat that was left in our freezer
He smoked his last cigarette as he
Pulled his coat around him
And placed his hat gingerly on his greying head
He walked out the front door
Grim-faced
To the neighbors beside us
To ask for money for bread
My heart wrenched from my chest
As I watched him go

Burnt flesh

Is seared into my soul 

Dripping flesh

Fills the canvas of my mind

Lest I forget 

The lessons I needed to 

Learn