I Don't Need Your Advice: A Young Woman Saying Goodbye to Her Mother

No one could mistake the pain in her eyes.
'Twas tragic for someone so beautiful, wise,
Clinging to life by what seemed just a thread,
"I can't help you further," the pain itself said.

"You cannot leave me; it is not your time!"
Terror was mounting, as my fear did climb.
"How can I go on?" my heart cried, in pain.
"I need your advice again and again."

"I am your mother, but I have to go."
Her thoughts were distinct, but words very slow.
"I'll always be with you." She closed her eyes.
I knew she would be. The heart never lies.

She whispered, "I love you," then passed away;
Flight of the moment in angel array.
I was in shock, did not speak very nice.
Angry, I said, "I don't need your advice."

"My words are with you wherever you go."
Hard to believe it could ever be so.
"Just listen, my daughter." I shed a tear.
"There is no reason for you now to fear."

"You have a daughter who needs advice, too.
This is the task I have given to you."
My words of anger were my breaking free
To be the mother I was meant to be.

My mother's advice, I always recall
E'en for my daughter, who is still quite small.
But her advice, I did not always did take;
I hope my daughter will for her own sake.

Words spoken in anger can be a response to death.