6 Mums in a Still Life

In this watercolor of motherhood
the petals reach like tiny hands
to cup sunshine
and catch the rain.

Two raindrops chase each other
down the vase, pottery from some class
designed to pass the waiting hours
of anticipation.

Pieces of shell stolen from the beach
lie scattered around the vase
silent testament to days passed
and dreams lost. Silent shells
that no longer hold the ocean's roar
or the gentle song of children's laughter.
Toy binoculars left behind
with the orange from their lunch,
like other adventures lost in childhood,
washed clean with Mother's tears.

Teardrops feed the flowers
plucked from the garden along the walk,
and tiny hands cup raindrops
that splash with laughter
and echo dreams.