Hall of Shame

she lay
unconscious
face down
on the hall carpet

I closed
my eyes
but I could
still see her

I was angry
and disappointed
I was also
sad

I felt so alone

I took a deep
and calming breath
opened the door
and like
a condemned man
I slowly entered

she was
face down

she was
motionless

I was filled
with despair
as I studied
the crime scene

I bent down
to check
that she was breathing
but I already knew
she was

this was a daily occurrence
this was a family farce
this was a pantomine

without the laughs

this was my mother