[in_absentia]

An elderly woman reminisces about her children.


It’s been twenty years
since their little faces
scampered past
my eyes.

I know where they are.
I get photos every year.
if you’ll look
Johnny never
seems to get older.

His brilliant smile
makes me cry
but, only with joy
but, only with joy.

Sandra’s much the same
in that her hair
hasn’t changed for
as far as I
remember.

It shimmers
and shimmers
in every frame.
Like it can
catch the air
and float away.

Oh, now look at me
I’ve taken your time
talking on for hours
yet I can’t recall
your name.

Not that it
matters. I won’t
remember to not
forget the second
that you tell me.

I often wonder
why Suzi never
comes. A block
or two of walking
can’t do a bit of harm.

She spoke so softly
I had to kneel
to hear that pretty
voice of hers.

There were days
her voice alone
carried me through
with an ease
that I had never knew
'til it swept me away.

I hope I’m not
boring you.
It would seem that I’m
something of a leaky
faucet.

Where even off
I’m on and pouring
out my very soul
to you. I’ve said
all this without knowing

your name. Your
name, I need.
Don’t bother with
what I said befo-

Jonathan?


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Awhile back I got a message saying I could post poems freely... If that's changed since then or if I mis-read it, I'll gladly have this deleted at submit it into the submit jar/box/thingy.