Fleeting

Fleeting

By: Angela Petersen

Sometimes I feel like I'm spread far too thick,
With some plastic knife that's been tossed in the trash.
What am I but some wooden spoon threat?
Scrape, scrape, then rinse yet again
That plate that I rinsed just a brief time ago.

One glance in the mirror proves I'm not at my best.
A smear on the glass makes me doubt what I am.
Why must I question the significance there?
Polish, polish, make that mirror shine,
Now I can see what I'm destined to be.

Outside in the snow a loud wail sounds.
I jump up to look, find him face-first in the snow.
How does he learn to rise by himself?
Pause, pause, watch him search for my face,
Wipe at a tear, then climb to his feet.

Look at this home, see it's inviting warmth.
Hear him open the door and stamp off his feet.
Why do I doubt the weight of my call?
Embrace, embrace, love with my all.
Help him to find what he's destined to be.

My hearth is beset by dependable tenderness,
A welcomed respite for this chilly young thing.
What's so exquisite in a room this banal?
Savor, savor, bask in the glow.
Drink in the knowledge that he has to show.

Folding his clothes, I breathe in the fresh scent.
I'm reminded again of the blessing that's mine.
Who always brings me this knowledge divine?
Certain, certain, as sure as his smile
That peeks down on me with the first morning light.

A light that flows far too fast through the room,
Touching gently with radiance all that it sees.
What can I do to slow the Earth's flight?
Soak up, soak up, for as long as I can!
The brilliance is fleeting and soon will be gone.