River of life

Just visited mum in Berri hospital

She seems brighter today; lucid
The transfusion has lifted her up
Replaced hemoglobins
Necessary for brain function
For life itself; can't do without oxygen
She smelled the carnation flowers
Ever her favourite scent...
Her hair; still damp from the shower
Her one good eye not as clear
As it once was...
We exchanged a few words
Helped her have a drink
Got her a straw and a sippy cup
To choose from...
How things have changed...
Always the strong one
Now her strength is waning
She is the one who needs more care
Held her hand; warm and soft
Skin no longer smooth
It felt dry; parched; fragile
Like she is now...

Took a walk beside the river
Down around the bend
The mighty River Murray
Flowing quickly; seemingly without end
A metre long Murray Cod
Washed up; dead; upon the shore
Poisoned by lack of oxygen
A victim of this flood
Though she seems strong and vibrant
Life below her surface; ends
Dying fish come to the surface
Ejected from within...

Neither can live without oxygen
Neither can survive without lifeblood
We are all joined together
In this circle of fragile life
Ever flowing quickly by us
We are left floundering in its wake

Sho