Abeyance
I trace his spine with my finger,
along elastic-waisted pants threatening to slide past slim hips,
trace up spindly arms, over narrow shoulders to the back of his neck.
Smile as I flick my finger over wayward hair frolicking with lake's breeze,
Blue by his side, the pair silent; a rare occurrence for this boisterous pair.
This photograph, a treasury of feelings; of a young mother not comprehending
how quickly her sons would grow, daughters outgrow dolls,
how soon her mother's hand would be empty;
and the family dog, age, not able to keep up with his kids.
Shrouded in memories, I want to tell her not to waste a moment,
immerse herself in each day, laugh, play, hug them 1000 times,
10,000 times. Soak in still moments; dishes and laundry can wait.
My mother's heart wishing I could do it all over again,
knowing what I know now.
by Margaret Bednar, July 25, 2019
This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Sanaa's Challenge - I Like for You to be Still". Use the reference to Naruda's title in a poem.
