I Remember Mom

I stood across from PS 153
Holding Mom’s hand.
First day of school, ever! Scary!
She let go and life changed.

35 years later,
When I came to visit,
She was pacing by the kitchen window.
I was coming home late.

On subsequent trips to Florida
There was always a salami sandwich
And a cream soda.
A reminder of what really mattered.

Her 90th birthday party,
Surrounded by family and friends,
Might have been a belated crowning
Of the Queen mother.

I think she saw that day
As the completion of her dreams;
Children, grandchildren safe,
And far from the Depression’s hunger.

Here’s to you Mom,
The “practical” Ruth Greenspan.
No one here is taking piano lessons,
But maybe you taught us something about life.