Golden Smock

(Forthcoming Publication in Ink Pantry)

Vibrant colors and geometric prints

burst from the curated

and manicured environment.

Fanciful flower stems

and lucky turtles

lovingly adorn a plain corner.

Intricate patterns

made with mathematical formulas.

A randomly placed,

colorful floor tile,

next to a gumball machine

catches her eye,

and her mouth curls up on one side with a smirk,

remembering times long ago.

Portraits, collages, stories,

and whole histories

are sewn into the quilts,

with nimble fingers,

yet they aren’t used on a bed or couch

to curl under for warmth and security,

they are presented

on the wall as fine art,

a fabric mosaic masterpiece.

Tiny chairs in primary colors

and toddler tables

are tucked in a children’s corner with blocks,

Legos, a toy truck, and baby dolls

so carefully packed,

yet quiet and still,

oddly waiting

for a playful child to return?

Mother’s apron is carefully sewn

from burnt orange and gold cloth

with a beautiful rosette decoration.

The smock has pockets,

like a pouch in the front,

and ties with ribbons at the sides.

Her lovely work shirt,

soft and light to the touch

with bright colors for the child’s eyes to admire.

She wants to be present for them,

sturdy, kind, creative and accepting,

so when she can’t be there,

they will remember

the calm and warmth of the golden smock,

like a shining sunset.

It is her armor,

her uniform that gives her courage and confidence

to be better and wiser for them,

for herself.

She touches her fingertips to her chest

where a miniature sun resides within,

and she knows she is changing.

She calls upon that sun

to guide and nourish her motivations.

When it sets,

the moon’s silver glow

shows the way until morning.