Tacky, red leather seats

of the old

rusted Cadillac  

glimmered

like my mother’s smile.

Young and fresh,

unstoppable.

With her bright red lipstick,

scrunched brown hair,

and happiness apparent

in her light

blue eyes.

Her personality is splattered

across the photo.

The light in her eyes,

and her soul,

is undeniable.

But now, her blue eyes are

sunken into the sockets.

And her smile is weak,

forced.

Her once colorful personality,

turned grey.

The sickness

has taken over her body

and soul.

The after picture

is not as pretty.