Sepia & Song by Gloria Wimberley

Sepia seeping
into the Perfect Picture
but there's no camera around
to capture our gentle swaying
in the kitchen
or her baby head lying warmly on my shoulder
or my arms enveloping her lovingly
as I mint in my weary mind this
mother-daughter moment...
(Plaintive Scottish fiddle-song on the radio)
hugs us parenthetically
as we continue swaying silently as one
her tears long since dried; her eyes long since closed
her long, dark eyelashes are doll perfection
As the song lilts to an end, my own eyes are moist;
I'm wishing with a mother's wistfulness
that the permanence of sepia could seep in
seal us / bond us in wordless bliss
for a lifetime of refrains, not bridges




Gloria Wimberley, Florida, USA

Mama Wearies then Brightens by Gloria Wimberley

I wanted to bathe
(but instead, I bathed in the sun)
I wanted to sweep the floors
but for fun,
I swept away
a stickysilver web
between two trees
and laughing, mused that I'd hurt no one
Then I saw that because of Me
--and my sun-sudden glee,
a hardworking spider was
homeless...
I wanted to tidy up the house
--pick up the books, dolls, and toys
the Dr. Seuss-esque gizmos that bring mirth of noise
...but I preferred subtle joys
'stead of work, I focused on fun:
my child and I played until the day was done...
Please give my regards to the conspiratorial sun
I don't regret chores undone




Gloria Wimberley, Florida, USA