Posted by
jb and Company on Saturday, May 10, 2008 10:02:28 PM
In darkness
they stand at windows
watching for headlights
Listening for the sound of an ’88 Mazda
They stand immobile
“Maybe this one
…no, just the neighbors”
Mothers wait for children…
always
At the clinic with gray-green walls
lying belly-fat and fork-split
invaded by strangers’ hands
Tense, they listen
“Good strong heartbeat
Looks like we’re on schedule!”
Yes…
Mothers wait for children…
always
In the Toyota van
wipers clacking
encapsulated with the Family-Pak of drumsticks from Lucky
and wilting lettuce
They watch…
the door where the third-graders come out
bananas in the downpour
Is that one Mine?
Mothers wait for children…
always
Propped up in beds that fold
blue pills by the September issue of Guideposts
They look
They listen
Is it ringing?
“Hello…Mom?”
Mothers wait for children…
always