Absence

In my dream
our mother's gone missing
for two days since,
her absence palpable thus -

First, is nowhere to be found
in an unfamiliar house
where our familiar wait
until the scene's unraveled to

Next, flying above a possible route
like a camera speeding forward
searching for her last known place
but, before a trace is felt -

Morning arrives,
in this familiar house,
dulled by her absence,

Nine years and counting.