June 22, 2024

Awake

Sun on back… weeds. Daisies. Colors. Strong roots. Lantana bed. Edging… shadow… where are the-
Mom, let’s work a bit longer. Just a few more beds, rows. Trim the azaleas. Sweep the street. Neat rows. Straight. Sidewalk clean. Hmmm where are my glasses- dad, I can see the-

Mom, look who’s here. You feel the hand on your leg. Gentle pats. a stroke of the brow. Hair pushed behind the ear.
What is she looking at? Her skin looks almost glowing.
She’s quiet today. Has she eaten anything? Drank water? Where is-

Rhythm of the chop chop chop
Onions- ah I’m tearing up again. Really hate that. Garlic? No dad doesn’t like it. Hm hm la la… carrots, better chop the celery so fine dad can’t tell it’s there. Guess I’ll put it in the food processor. Tomatoes. Broth- in the fridge. Grab it. Will you. Top shelf, Tupperware labels broth. Potatoes… let’s get the chopped chicken, too. Okay, it’s all in the pot.
Let it boil a minute then you turn your simmer. One more piano lesson- I hear the door! Where did she-

Now let’s get these curlers out… head over the sink, mom. Is that water warm enough? Yes I think you’ll like the lift and color this time. What do you think? Let me grab your glasses. Where are they-

Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, we shall go rejoicing…
camping in Canaan’s land-
Beulah Land… it is well…
Where’s that sheet music? Phyllis-

Here, let’s get it down. This cold rag will cool your forehead. Hmmmm hmmmm hmmmhm, take this pill, drink this water. I’ve got you some broth. You’ll feel better with— where, where did dad

Mom, Pat- we are almost done. Yard looks great. Wipes brow. Smiles. Look- sun heading down- beautiful glow on top of Methodist church. Few rays hit eyes. Warm face.
We should- no, I think it’s enough today.
But those bulbs we could plant in the back. I think it’s ok. We can wait. Look- the kitchens lit. Dinners on the stove— it’s ready. Take my hand. Wipes sweat from her eyes— smiles.

Look- she’s smiling. So content today. I’m so glad she’s not hurting.
We’re here. I wish she could… one more time.
But she’s done enough. It’s okay, Mom.
It’s okay. A touch on the brow. Hmm hmm hm

Where did we put-
Everything is in its place, Pat. Everything.
But did you-
Yes. The storeroom is locked.
Lights off.
I smell your soup on the stove. Let’s step in. Soon enough it’ll be time for bed. There’s a new day tomorrow. Holds hand. Kisses it. Holds open door.
One last look. Where-
Light from kitchen glow. Warm. Tendrils of light pulling expanding melding. Smells of cornbread. Chicken soup. Safety. Family pictures on the wall. Sigh.
Home.

The door closes behind them. And the sounds of the summer night remain. Light from open window shines onto patio. Shadows inside moving in sync to a dance long known by ancestors before them.