Childhood Fantasy ©

“Mommy,” he said,
serious brown eyes
peering over the counter top
                                                   on tippy-toes 
                                                   while I chopped
                                                   vegetables.

                                                   “When I grow up
                                                   I’m going to buy the house
                                                   next door
                                                   and live beside you
                                                   forever.”

                                                   I smiled down
                                                   at him,
                                                   my heart askew.

                                                   Thought of my
                                                   lonely, aging mother
                                                   five hundred miles away.


      
      

---