when my mother comes
                she is gentle
                walking on air
                her flip-flops make no sound
                her gown hangs in no breeze
                she talks to my mind
                showing only soles of shoes
                peeks of the bottom of her feet

                only at first i saw
                her hands doing things
                her hands praying
                reaching for chinese food
                aunt rachel's ring

                she was the only girl not married

                when my mother comes
                she is gentle
                i am not afraid
                she talks quietly
                taking the startle in me
                she sits on
                the sides of my bed
                bringing scents of solace

                she moves my keys
                takes my tapes
                flashes my lights
                shakes my bed
                drops loose coins
                saying about men
                "God will choose"

Copyright © Taiyon Coleman, 2003.  All Rights Reserved.