Mama

Mama

Mama

you are not without amazement

you know what it means to smile

birds winging toward the horizon

soft blushing moccasin flowers

dazzling darkness of old midnight

                Mama

have you ever seen anything more

beautiful in your life? all the lovely

words billowing toward your heart

feather kisses on your glossy cheek

                Mama

you taught me how to love this world

be surprised by unexpected kindness

content in the pure peace of giving

                Mama

we are bound by unbreakable string

the bond of blood, flesh and home

                Mama

                                thank you

**

Missing my Dad so badly on Father's Day this year really made me think about and want to express just how deeply I love my Mom. She is such a dear-heart: kind, gentle, humble, generous of spirit and has no idea how to say no (although she's gotten much better at it out of sheer necessity in recent years). She isn't rich but is wealthy in all of the ways that matter and she deserves the world. She is often lonely, never complains, never judges, doesn't ask for a thing. I am so grateful for all of the gifts she's given to me, my propensity for goodness and my inclination to care for others without condition are on the rather lengthy list. I have watched her come through her life with such grace and quietude. To be certain, she has endured a great deal of hardship but she never allows that to tarnish her ability to shine in the light and in love.

This one is for you, Mom. I love you.

In propinquity,
Nic

Encounter

Encounter

I caught sight of you

eating a burrito on a streetcar

                Bloor/Danforth

a view from the cheap seats.

I listened for something familiar

recalled you sinking into your

old love-seat seeking comfort.

An exposed world I lingered in

too long: it crackled to life

your strict routines short fuse

& when you hauled anchor.

I caught sight of you

stood in plain sight unnoticed

sagging in circling sunlight

until I was sorry I ever met you.

Bereft tangled & brazen, to

unburden myself of your poetry

I take my stop, buy a new sweater

an armload of old 45s & lumber home.

Your testy smile: the hardest habit to

                break.

I sent my silly cries into the pines

                where love never slips through.

Where you are a lie.

**

Tonight I wrote next to an open window, sunny and breezy accompanied by a generous playlist. I am tired, one of my ears is still aching a little but I really just felt the need to hide away in my writing room, door closed, with all my friends (rock wall) and just tinker. Good for what ails you on a Monday, yes?

I’m pecking at one more. It was strange, I was flippy floppy between two pieces and it was starting to make me dizzy. I had to discipline myself to work on one at a time. Now that the sun is setting, I will hunker down and continue with #2, a little something for my Mama.

In propinquity,

Nic