The Rabbit Hole

Mama is slipping down the rabbit hole
Inch by inch.
We reach as far as we can.
We beg.
We plead.
Oh God, please.
Still she slips farther and farther
Beyond our reach.

One night with much anger guiding her footsteps
Mama slips out into the darkness
In her nightgown.
She has no coat on.
It is cold.
She is shivering.
In the darkness we see her walking towards the fire's light.

"I want to know who hung up the phone on me!"
Mama demands.

No one did mama.
We swear.
Wrap yourself in this sweater
So you will stay warm.
Come let your daughters walk you home.

I lag behind
Absorbing the scene before my soul's eyes.

Trees blanketed with stars
Shadow their footsteps
With a circle of light to guide them I watch
As mother and daughter walk hand in hand
Slowly back to the house.

I think,
Mama will not long be with us.

Safely home again
Sister says,
"Oh I can't stand this."
Then disappears.

Denial,
With alcohol's aid,
Will help sister sleep again tonight.

Mama is slipping down the rabbit hole
Inch by inch.
We beg.
We plead.
Oh God, please.
Still she slips farther and farther
Beyond our reach.

Daddy, and siblings insist
Mama is fine.
There is nothing wrong with her mind.