Soon

I could have

brought my music to your room

when I came to help with chores each week.

I would bring my fiddle soon

I thought

after I’d learned some more.

I would have brought my music

to the hospital

but it seemed awkward to jar the silence

with such joy.

Anyway, you would be home soon.

I should have dared to be heard

to know your delighted eyes

just to see that I tried.

Small comfort to improve now.

Now I look up from my song and think

hey Mom, listen to this,

and for a while I imagine

that somehow you can.

©2015 Donna Jo Wallace.