Ago
Across the table
She looks
At the lady
Staring back
At her
In careful conversation
They talk about that dress
They saw and the shoes
They had to have
They laugh about the
Gum they stepped in
The time the washing machine
Flooded the floor
That Thanksgiving turkey
Burnt beyond crispy
As she studies the menu
She studies her
And wonders if she’s doing okay
As she turns the page
And taps the table
In a flurry of pink polish
She longs to hold her hand
10 fingers, 10 toes
What she wouldn’t give …
To sing her to sleep
Once more
And hear her breathe
Good dreams
To wake her up
With a morning kiss
And hear her say,
In that sleepy wonderful way,
“I love you,
Mommy”
As the waiter scribbles
Their leafy order
They toast
The day
Then take turns
To the powder room
Never knowing …
The mirror was the same
The tissue in the trash
Held twin tears
They return
To the table
And smile
TL