MEMORIES OF ONE UNENBROIDERED MOMENT AT A TIME

A fire in the belly
for a first walk on my own—
drama of initial spoken words,
and mastering the hang
of pee and poop.

A stroll into kindergarten
like a war hero returning home.

A ride on my bike
leaving father far behind—
ready for a spin-the- bottle wet kiss,
and one graduation after another.

I part with virginity,
welcome marriage—
and more than a few births.

A heart attack, bout of cancer,
widowhood, and the final moment—
lowered in the ground
with a smile on my face.