For Mom

Last night

you were the first to fall asleep

and it was I who slid out 

from the warmth to turn off the TV

tuck the blanket in at your side 

beneath your feet

and praying you wouldn’t wake

I brushed envious finger tips over 

laugh lines

delicately etched into your skin

My lips pulling for a secret smile 

that I hid in your hair

my forehead creased 

eyelids sealed shut in concentration

as I tried to paint sweet dreams between

your synapses

before pushing up 

to leave you to your peace

And today

while I let these memories carry me 

down

some busy sidewalk

Autumn playing gently across my face

I catch a glimpse of you 

from the corner of my sight

and cannot help but freeze midstride

turning the necessary ninety degrees  

it is my shocked reflection 

there to greet me

I step closer to the glass 

Forgetting there’s another side 

with people too busy 

leading separate lives

to see me

touch the place my eyes would fall

were the surface 

to be more than the smooth cold

When did you take my place

When did my eyes become your brown

and my mouth possess your shape

And how did it take me 

these long years of  trailing after you

to realize

I will one day wear your 

laugh lines

That I will carry you through me

I am more than just your blood

I am your story