the first words that a new mother
utters is
Ma~Ma;
until,  some day,
you say ok, enough,
and acknowledge and satisfy her
overwhelming craving;

be assured,
the father is no different,
for after Ma~Ma,
they will indoctrinate you
with the concept of equality,
and Da~Da will be pronounced
shortly, thereafter,

so Colby,
rest easy, be assured,
both your parents were & are
perfectly
normal
probably twice as much when ma-ma is not around

Will you let yourself rest now?
Holding your hands over your face perhaps you can drown the rest out
Some memories will fade, but others will persist
Sometimes, every single thought is screeching loud
But others... You'll simply miss

there was nowhere
in particular
that i had to be
or any real reason
for me to be
where i'd ended up
i had been wandering
most of the day
seeing the sights
but mostly trying
to see the city
in its truest

and so found myself
amidst the bustle
of little market stalls
lining either side
of the path leading
to the centre of
a neighbourhood park
i had wanted a coffee
and was ready to
continue my march
towards a flat-white
but urged myself
to rest my feet
to pause for awhile
and enjoy the theatre
of these unconnected lives
unwittingly intertwined;

the young couple
bartering at a stall
while the elderly pair
laughed in pantomime
as the girl passed by
struggling to control
her overexcited pup
sat there watching
i too had a role
playing a part
in their lives
that i would
never know

Not ink on paper, pale and neat,
But air alive with music sweet.
A scent of blooms in sunlit haze,
A floral song for all our days.

A gentle place, a warm embrace,
A haven found in time and space.
A longing felt, a need so deep,
Where weary hearts can softly sleep.

A world unfolds, a vibrant hue,
A magic waits, just for you.
Open your eyes, and let it be,
A wonder whispered, wild and free.