Coming Home

My mother sits in her chair by the window
she has her knitting
her pills
her board games
her remote control
displayed around her

Cockpit
Mission control

I see the neighbor while I am sweeping
out the garage
he rolls up
It is understood
He watches for her
curtains to come just so
every morning

He checks for her in the window
in her chair

Five days go by without
speaking

I check myself for the same signs
At least I can go out
I make sure that I do
almost to prove it
I talk to the man at Lillie Belle Farms
I talk to the woman at the Creamery
I make myself go up to the pool

I take a book

But I am met by friends

My mother sits at her window