ANTICIPATION

​The woman looks out the sunroom door
through red-rimmed eyes.
How many tears will be enough?
Her daughter had called, concerned.
Mom, she said, let it go. You have
to move on!
But she didn't tell her how.
Outside the trees are changing. Their leaves
have taken on a summer green yet tinges
of yellow betray the encroaching Fall.
For the woman, nothing changes. It's as if
time stands still. Looking into the courtyard
all she sees is loneliness.
A hint of a smile betrays brooding lips as she
remembers their wedding day, how he had
picked her up, carried her through this very
door. Together they had watched seasons
come and go, the years flying by with shared
laughter, good times, an occasional sorrow.
She sighs.
How many tears will be enough?
So many questions unanswered. Why did he
leave? Where did he go? Is he now making
memories with someone else?
She peers outside as if the answer will appear
solid as the tree, as if she could slide open
the door, reach out and pluck it from the air.
She peers outside, firm in her belief that he will
return, the anticipation on her face belying her
red-rimmed eyes.
 
Betty Bleen © 2018
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