Visitation

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova

In a rainbow haze she arrives. 

She is fussy and spoiled and I am overjoyed.

Random moments, unrelated, gel together making sense.

Her diaper is dirty.

I’ll buy her this dress for Christmas.

Spongebob, cats, carnitas…

At once I remember her favorites.

She laughs: “Hey-yeah!”

and I smile again.

She naps, then wanders from her toddler bed to find me.

I hold her.

Gently, I place her back in her bed.

And I lie down.

At dawn my eyes pierce the brightening day, searching. Yet, she is a fading wisp.

Where has she gone?!

I panic.

I remember.

I ache.

(Originally published 2021/05/31 at 7:06 pm)