Babe in Arms

i drove the highway the
distance it takes to
arrive there past all
the strip malls

traffic lights stopping
red or not, giving way
to thoughts of her

carrying her in my arms
across the living room
“shush, shush, don’t you
cry” singing soft a

lullaby bouncing her
dancing as my eyes try
to close after

working the night shift
i had a bit of nap before
he dropped her off so
mom could work her job

all in a flash as i drive
the highway there
thinking of the past of
all the other years

i pull into the driveway
i wait for her to come
down the stairs and
when she does…

the tiny infant has a
bounce beneath her
step with holes
torn in her shorts

as the fashion is for
young and layered
tops and long dark
hair she tilts

her head and smiles
where a baby use to
cry in my arms

it is time to go out
shopping and spend
time for in all the years
that have come and
gone

she is still my sweet
babe in arms
my granddaughter grown
our bond remains
strong

© August 2012 Renee Espriu