There are memories
that bring a smile,
a warm remembrance
of childhood’s joy.
Bacon,
sizzling in a pan,
the aroma filling the room,
mouths watering
in anticipation.
Your mother in an apron,
fork in hand
moving each strip with care
As you cut a peach,
ripe and succulent,
its slices falling
on steaming oatmeal.
But these are memories
never spoke of now.
never spoke of now.
A jar of
peanut butter,
bargain shelf special --
A loaf of wheat bread,
Freihoffer’s,
Buy one,
get two free
are all the pantry
offers now.
offers now.
Eight months
without a job --
No peaches in
her child’s hands.
Only anguish,
where once
there were dreams.
