Cleaning out my mother’s townhome
assisted living came grudgingly –
terminology I use on charitable days
cleaning out the tidy home of a
certified and fully anointed packrat
was less time-capsule discovery
more bafflement at later-in-life finds
At the far end of her walk-in closet
hung two garment bags I recognized –
her circa 1951 Naval WAVE uniform
next to her wedding dress from 1958
happy marriage begat only child me
always petite, my mom took pride
bragging each still comfortably fit
A point she routinely emphasized
at every doctor visit, telling each nurse
that weighed her – with pride,
noticeable annoyance – the only time
she weighed more than 100 pounds
“Was when I was pregnant with HIM!”
humorous verdict with an edge
Most of her clothing I worthily donated
though the garment bags I kept
Now in memory care, my mother will
only occasionally mention those days
it is probably time to return them to
her closet, to the far end, door open
so she can see them hanging there . . .
Maybe she’ll remember a time – the
only time – they just wouldn’t fit
– Mark L. Lucker
© 2023
http://lrd.to/sxh9jntSbd
A moving poem full of mystery and love — “in memory care” resonates deeply throughout; so much sense of loss and connection in this poem, all at once.
Thanks, Jacob. This one truly did write itself, as every syllable is true. I should probably hang those garment bags on my next trip over!
BTW – this might interest you; reviewing this poem immediately triggered a thought that caused me to get an entirely different piece typed up. That happens to me a few times each year after the marathon, when rereading a piece makes me put something else together right then and there.
Thanks for the comment, I am so glad you liked this one. It sadly does touch on some pretty common themes these days.
So beautifully expressed, Mark. I love how you bring it around again to that single statement – the only time her clothes didn’t fit – and the poignancy of the hope (may I refer back to a later poem in the marathon??!) that she will remember. Very moving and resonant. As you say – increasingly universal themes as we age. Thank you.
Thanks, Sarah. Glad you liked this one.