what can we count on?

carrying, nourishing, nursing
and after the umbilical disconnect
still toiling, carrying on, nurturing

then one day some years later
she bursts out
not a sequin of tear drops
cascading over her cheekbones
but a dam-burst

what can we count on with certainty
she asked
taxes, death, life and its aftermath?
whatíll happen to memories, books, mementos
relationships, built and discarded
the smile on the face of the aged
brought on by the volunteer
the discreet help to the needy
an understanding nod, a hug here
a sympathetic glance, a squeeze there
gestures bringing relief
momentary or lasting
the adoration she threw around
selflessly, but in the end all that love
wasted and self-destructive

each pink strand
in her eye asked a puzzling query
as if i have those answers
all I know is how to walk away