I Remember

(For my Mom, Charlotte)

I remember
your voice singing, a lullaby perhaps,
the melody of you surrounded me
and I knew
everything would be all right

I remember
your hand clasping mine, guiding
me safely through life’s chaos
and I knew
everything would be all right

I remember
your touch soothing the tears
of youthful anguish
and I knew
everything would be all right

I remember
your glistening eyes meeting mine
as I walked toward marriage
and I knew
everything would be all right

I remember
your voice raised in righteous anger
when that marriage dissolved
and I knew
everything would be all right

And I know
when your time on Earth is nearly
finished, it will be your hand in mine
that reminds me someday
we will reunite in the ever-after,
and then, again,
everything will be all right.