The kid is away.
I miss her when she's not here.
She's gone to see friends in DC.
She comes home today
and it will be good to have her home.
However,
since she's almost 18...
I know
that
this is
just the beginning.

Tiny copper Abe Lincoln
rests on damp sand
amongst minuscule pieces of driftwood
a baby scallop shell
and tiny clams
waiting for another assassin,
this one the sea
to come and take him away from us
again

I am sorry for no card
No flowers
No chocolates
I was sick but that is no excuse

I do love you
I do

I am the child
running through a sunlit field playing airplane
My arms outstretched
Taking me me were the wind points me
Singing la la la
While you remain firmly on the ground
Centered and steadfast
Eyes to the future

My arms always fly me back to you
To the warmth of yours
Because
Every day
For twenty years
You've shown me
That despite my failings
My shortcomings
The hard times
Lean times

That you love me too.

The end is coming soon
Contracts are inked
Agreements and inspections done

So after the deal is done,
and the house gone, soon  to be razed
what will be a mother's legacy?

A new home in a town nearby
A secure business on the west coast
A range of new possibilities waiting to be taken
College for a granddaughter

None of which
A mother knew possible
Before she was gone

What defines the line between
Like
and
Love?

Are there ranges of either?
We use the words a lot.
About people
food
drink
cars
TV shows

Do I love Salmon?
Yes

Do I love my wife?
Yes

Do I love Salmon as much as my wife?
I'd have to say no.
So there must be a range of love.

And what of like?
I like certain cars.
I like some of the people I work with.
Do I like cars as much as some of the people I work with?
I'd have to say no.

I really like cars.

Love
is how
heart and eyes
feel

Who is the more powerful?
The vengeful god
who delivers pain
and loss
and suffering?
Or those on whom
the pain and loss and suffering
are heaped upon
whose blind faith,
often pushed beyond any reasonable limit,
is the only thing
that keeps the god
alive?