New York, 1948
Jupiter rules the night
in the long parade
of far off suns
shining in the deep dark,
the same winter sky
my mother walked beneath,
her feet in drifting snow,
the quiet all around her
down the steep hill
to the subway el,
walking toward my birth.
She was dressed nicely
as she always was.
She didn’t mind
the cold wet snow;
she was going to deliver.
Huge white flakes
covered the cobble stones,
the streets and sidewalks,
blanketing her with quiet,
her happiness and fear full
down the Marble Hill,
mother and father
alone in the falling snow
with me urging them on,
a presence within her
as they walked under street lights
in the January snow.
Lovely as always…. It seems your birthday is imminent (or very recent)? I wish you a joyful year to come!
such a beautiful image Don…..
A most sweet tribute to your parents, Don…lovely…I can feel their (and your) anticipation…
A time of mystery and wonder for the three of you!
Beautiful poem and pic Don. Thank you.
Yes, the photo anchors the quiet images in the poem. Thank you!
Persistent presence then still revealed in you now, Don. Warmth above the cold & from the inside out!
In the Australian summer, it was nice to remember snow from life in Canada but the “el” is a memory from my first 8 years in Chicago! A lovely image of your parents living your eventual birth.
I feel so tender thinking about grandma and grandpa on the journey to bring you into the world. All their dreams coming true.
Don, that is just beautiful… I could ‘almost’ feel all of it! Must be a picture of your Mother and Father??? Is there an occasion that brought this into your mind just now??? Soooo honoring and touching. Thank you.
A sweet remembrance of those you chose to join in this world.
Thanks Don, such a poignant tribute to your parents.
Lovely.
Just beautiful, Don. Thanks.