Distant Laughter
Mom
I remember
when I was young
you knew how to laugh.
You loved your life back then.
I was lucky to be the first child
because I was old enough
to keep these memories.
Your laughter became harder
more ‘mature’ I guess
with living. With a man
who was inconsistent,
children that moved beyond
your control and
never enough money.
I had forgotten that young laugh
until this morning.
I’ve remembered your
anger
sadness
fear
concern
for all these years.
I’m glad that I remember
though it makes me sad for you.
And now, years passed,
I can hear the lilt.
Laughter of love
Laughter of joy.
I know that you were once happy.
I tried to bring it back
I so wanted us to grow-up happy
and lay to rest the fears
and confusion.
We were taught
as you had been
to expect nothing of life.
Dana Sanford ~ 2/11/2019
