“Expectations”
Her birthday comes
And I’m prepared
A gift and card
Unexpected from the mall...
The surprise is real
As she sees the wrapping
A Brighton something
Inside the little bag...
Her face lightens
And she smiles
That look I love
There for a moment...
A quiet “Thank you”
And she knows I care
Another connection made
Without any touching...
Later we walk
At the Farmer’s Market
The small booths
Overflowing with earth’s goodness...
We buy organic
For our morning smoothies
And once home
She lies down a little dizzy...
I know it’s her birthday
But I ask anyway
“May I visit Grandma?”
She nods yes and I leave...
Three hours later I know from her almost tears
It was a decision hurtful to her heart...
The weight of unreached expectations is crushing to the soul.
Paul Colaluca (8/9/09)