A Poem for Mom

^{Favorite photo of me and Mom}

With frothy bubbles and jasmine oil,

I drew you a bath in my heart,

Arranged a tea tray and candles

Adding fresh lemon water for that spa-feel,

Cued up Nina Simone and put a quiet spell on you.

I slipped away too until I heard that booming oasis of laughter

That was yours but also mine, alchemized.

The chorus was so clear, us together in a ripe fit of wild joy

I thought you’d returned for a visit

Instead of me daydreaming about wished-for moments

Again.

Another reason to chuckle, though, because you would remember

That my head was always at home in the clouds,

Circling possibilities, imagining better.

Then, from the living side, I read you this poem

And reverently murmured your name three times

The only one I ever called you

Mom, mom, mom.