by Janet Freeman-Daily
So many years ago
They cradled a squalling bundle
Smoothed its tuft of hair
Lent a fingertip to suck
Waved bye-bye at the school bus
Drove to ball games and music lessons
Demonstrated scout activities
Stroked to console lost love
Wrote letters to camp
Taught cooking and cleaning
Carried boxes into a first apartment
Tended flower gardens
Made homemade applesauce
Played with grandchildren
Dialed to chat.
Too many years ago
They hesitated and fumbled
Wouldn’t leave the house
Neglected meals and phones.
Today they lay rigid
Moving only slightly
Toward events real or imagined.
Now mine cradle them
Stroking gentle reassurance
Passing warmth into Mom’s stationary life.
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