"Never Be," by Megan Bonfield

Megan Bonfield is a sophomore clinical psychology major with creative writing and ministry studies minors. Megan enjoys writing poems and taking photos with her camera to help her navigate the feelings of everyday life. In her free time, she enjoys nature walks, hanging out with friends, and trying new food. Megan hopes to incorporate creative outlets like writing and photography into her practice as a clinical psychologist one day.

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It was finally sinking in,

my mother’s cold hands

wrapped around mine

As she lies lifeless in the hospital bed

surrounded by flowers and “get well soon” cards.

I didn’t just feel her cold hands though.

The air turned brisk when a mother’s love vanished,

and then,

suddenly,

my heart turned cold.

My brain flooded with “I’ll never” thoughts

and all encouraging messages were wiped away from my memory.

I’ll never get to have my mother walk me down the aisle.

Ouch, that hurts.

I’ll never get to give her a “bun in the oven” t-shirt,

I’ll never get to buy another Mother’s Day gift wrapped in newspaper

because I don’t own wrapping paper.

Not everything is what it’s wrapped up to be.