My Santiago

What is love? January 2006

On impulse, I hug my mother, My arms wrap around her frail yet strong frame, And I tell her I love her! But, At 86 years, Embraces have never been her forte! She loves it but Sits in it, Stiff, staring ahead at the television screen, Not taking in the film, And says, “Alright, thank you”, to me.

As if to say, “That’s nice, But let’s have no more of it!”

But I don’t let go!

I hold her tight and … imperceptibly, Ever so gradually, She relaxes, And leans into me, Head leaning against my shoulder.

Now enjoying the unspoken truth Of a simple touch.