A Summer's Day

today ...
it was the first day
Mom didn't see the sunrise
she didn't see it in all its splendor
its warmth
its welcoming embrace

the whole world went 'round
while mine stood still
on such a beautiful day
just like Mom was,
especially without her make-up
and still in her PJ's

we went to Mom's favorite place;
the small park,
where I had spent most of my childhood
makin' magical memories with her...
nostalgia. I heard my laughter ringing
as my mom joked around with me at the swings

I skipped a few pebbles with Dad
watching them skid on the surface,
small plops filling our silence
knowing how she enjoyed
making the pebbles dance on water
and bow before sinking to the deep

today...
the sun set for the first time
where I couldn't see Mom's smile
and hear her voice as she talked.
I couldn't kiss her forehead
nor tell her: "I love you, Mom."

today ...
Mom is gone
but never
forgotten

© Franklin J. Stadler