Waiting

Used to be I saw quite clearly. Crisply. Now, standing here waiting for you, the world seems fuzzy.
You said, “Wait for me on the bench.” Which bench? There are two. Already five women have strolled by.
Thinking the first one was you I hugged her. Tight. She gasped and gently pushed me away.
Once I realized she was a stranger, I figured she should’ve slapped me. Hard. Now I’ll wait until you say my name.
Fuzzy. Damn fuzzy.
“Clarence?”
“Amanda!”
Dressed in white, you walk toward me. My heart sings.
“Come, Mr. Whitworth, your wife passed five years ago.”

The Progression of Wheels

I’m a little late to our Fairy Blog Mother’s party, but who can resist Rochelle’s invitation with Ted Strutz’s picture on the front? I will be in and out of FF world for a while. I’ve been teaching aerobics at the local Y which is closing at the end of January. In order to continue teaching the ladies I’ve fallen in love with, I must take an online class then a big test. I only say big because it’s been ages since I’ve been tested for anything but getting through life without hurting myself. AS always, thanks for reading my work.

Twin boys rest beside my bed in wheeled bassinets.
My heart breaks with joy.

Three-year-old boys clatter through the house on miniature plastic trucks.
I pray for ten minutes of silence.

Seven-year-olds rumble across the kitchen on roller skates
while singing, “Wheels go round-and-round.”
I roar with anger.

Seventeen-year-olds arrive home with fast cars.
I worry.

Twenty-one, my boys ride down the tarmac in a military plane
headed for God knows where.
I weep until my chest hurts.

At twenty-three my boys return in twin caskets
draped in American flags wheeled down the tarmac in the rain.
My heart breaks again.

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The Circle of Thorns

I wrote 97-some words this morning, saved them, and went off to teach my aerobics class, expecting to do a last minute edit when I returned. Meanwhile, my husband hit a “random” button that deleted my story. Ah, well, round two. Thanks, Rochelle, for posting this thought-provoking picture taken by Dale Rogerson.

When you walked out
a tangle of thorns encased my heart
creating minuscule fissures and tears
that bled memories, hopes, and dreams

Time
that’s all it took
years and years of time
but I have
at last
healed

The pits and gashes slowly filled
with the sound of laughter
gifts of river-worn pebbles
faded sand dollars
and small winsome smiles

Now, if my mind dares to whisper
You still love him, seek him out
My heart roars
If you do I will quit you!
For I only beat
in order to protect the child
he left behind!

95-words

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