My child boy now a grown man

or solidly between the two

helps an elderly couple load

their mulch in the back of their car

in the parking lot of Home Depot.

Me, 20 minutes away, sipping tea

and grading papers has no idea

that at the moment, the life I raised

saw another life in need and reached

out to extend his humanity.

The joy of this unseen convinces

me that we will be all right.

That maybe I am a good parent

for all of my trying

who knows when it comes down to it

until moments like this

and suddenly my blood courses

with a hope that just might save us all.

 

Hour Two