smalltownwisdom

Friday Night

By Laura McCollough

Another hard week

 tired but

make the effort

Hire a sitter

put off the electric bill

Pretty face

too much makeup

teeth not perfect

no money for that

Nothing to wear

borrow a top from a friend

shiny, cheap and tight

clings to the muffin top

over jeans from

before the baby

Old bridesmaid's heels

kill to walk in 

the bar is full

the usual crowd

look for that guy

 with the cute smile

not here tonight

 married anyway

 the rest are slim pickins

jeans low down

 silver studded belts

hats on sideways

not a decent ass in the bunch

strong cologne

don't expect them to buy drinks

broke

not too bright

air-guitar their cue sticks

to the thrumming jukebox

hang around til closing

who will be lonely

desperate

enough to take them home.

lovingcarewisdom

Family Leave

By Laura McCollough Moss

That's it

don't be restless now

Dial soap

hot water in a plastic basin

squeeze the cloth tight

wrap it around your hand

like a mitt

never forgot that

press the moist, clean-smelling warmth

gently against her face and

hear the grateful sigh

Wipe the eyes carefully

outward from the inside corner

each side of the nose

wet the lips

dip

rinse

"I was thinking,"

she rasps

"About the restaurant.

Mike could make up boxed lunches.

He could have specials with

a different sandwich featured every day."

There's a pause while I stare into the cloudy water

tears piercing my eyes

She looks at me

"What's wrong Honey?"

I look at her

really look

we both know her time is fading

"I'm just sad that you won't be there."

I take her hand and clean between the fingers.

There's so little I can do and yet

it is everything.

She doesn't look now

closes her eyes

"I'll be there,"

she says

Picking up the towel

I know

 she will.



hardwonwisdom

Good Grief

By Laura McCollough Moss

Slowly

slowly

the veil is lifted

look up

accept the sun's comfort

Ah, that's what it felt like

it's been so cold 

 so dark

for so long

One day a sliver of joy streams in

with its friend hope

Shedding light

you remember

fondly

without tears

laugh again

A far better tribute

to live your life

lay your cautious heart bare

celebrate

 what was

who's left

 what is and

what's to come.