include the finger phalanges
on tired hands and
carpus, lunate in the wrists
stiff neck where tensions persist.
On Earth Day I take up chalk
draw flowers, sunshine on sidewalk
send happy birthday from far away
on FaceTime we find time to talk
hard rains falls the next day
but, missing does not wash away.
It’s the cuboid and the 4th tumid toe
that ache before the mornings go
when you call me just to say,
My doll is sick, Mom’s on the phone,
I can make oatmeal all alone,
my brother’s at swim team, the water is cold
he might cry, but I’m brave, and old
er, the oatmeal is done, bye.
I’ve not seen you since Christmas online must suffice
two Tylenol, a cold pack with ice
to ease the aches – a start
but not to heal my broken heart.
Kathryn Weidener is a professional storyteller and has been telling tales all her life. Her publishing credits include Schuylkill Valley Dispatches, arielchart.blogspot.com, US1, Hobby Farm Magazine, and Sandpaper. A BA degree in Communication also led her through careers in social work, accounting and ESOL tutoring.She currently resides in Princeton.
