April 12, 2025

I skipped writing a poem last night because I had stress, I hadn’t had in a while, and needed time to just recover and then sleep. So, tonight two poems probably won’t get done posting until after midnight. The first long poem is about that stress. The other poem is on a happier note, a friend’s anniversary party tonight, people got up and performed. I was quite struck by a couple of performers, but especially by a sweet voice.

 

Absent Alarm Going Off for Forty Minutes

It is stamped so deep

I don’t even know it is still there

Until it happens

The heart pounding

Sweating, uncertainty

Of not knowing where my child is

Where he’s gone or what has or could happen

He is in some ways, such a capable human

Society says he is an adult

He can get around

On public transportation

If he has a way to do so

When he hadn’t arrived home

And it was nearly two hours

Past the time he should be

There or checking in

Then the story unraveled

From my husband

Of an unusual day

Mixed communication

Where he could be

Several places looking

For someone to pick him up

It is late, hunger waiting at the gate

That could cause all kinds of complications

I call one place and describe him

No one bearing that description

Has seen him

The lady on the other end

Is trying to be helpful

As she hears the urgency in my voice

She has no choice but to

Hand up when no one can locate

My only son

I grab my car keys

Going to the next location

We think he might be

My husband is waiting at home

For him to walk in the door

I am driving, praying

Trying to pay attention

To the details everywhere

Looking for that curly head

Bouncing determined walk

My husband said he was wearing purple

No, maroon defiantly his maroon shirt

I caught a glimpse

No, not him

Someone honking at me?

Got to speed up

But then I might miss him

I can’t miss him

I go by the place

His curiosity might take him

No, that makes no sense

Turning around

To the place his dad and he

They were supposed to meet

What direction is it?

There! There’s the street!

So many people are walking

They aren’t him!

What is that sound?

Phone ringing

He is found!

Thank God, he is found!

 

Sweet Friend Sings

Her introduction was shaky

As she adjusted her guitar strap

Telling the party people

That she had only played this instrument for a month

“Very brave or foolish,” I thought

But off she launched

Into a familiar and sweet love song

She had a reedy, thin voice

Yet sweet and inviting

As she would sing

Trying to fit the chords in place

Sometimes behind where it ought

To slide, she would glide on

As the crowd silently cheered

Each adjustment and little mistake

As she was sincere

Giving a performance

Full of grace

The love embracing

The celebrated couple

She sings thanks

For being her friends