Mother's Day

Mother's Day
by Justine C. Tajonera

Your father and I
discovered your budding teeth
while eating crabs on a Sunday.

Time stopped for me
as I counted back
all your goofy,
toothless grins.

I wanted to slow
down
and memorize
every one of them.

Do you know that
I bring your drowsy eyes
and sweet, milky breath
with me
every day
that I plod to work?

Though I can't wait
for you to call for me
by name,
I want to bask
in this quiet smile
of yours.

Wait a while for me,
dearest one.
Hold my hand
a bit longer.

May 13, 2007