new poem

OLD LADIES WITH BABY DOGGIES

(for Sandra Alcosser,
after reading her poem “Feeding the babies”)

Yes, the topknots quiver,
As the little darlings see the ladies,
In their red hats and purple scarves
Coming toward them.
The old ladies are full of smiles,
And the babies are happy
To feel wanted,
Hoped for,
Loved again and again,
Throughout the long sunny days;
Before and after naps.

She says this has taught her something
About the mothering instinct—
How, even when we are old,
We want to curl our lives around a baby,
Put food in its mouth,
Coo to it,
Carry it around in our hearts,
Worry over its well-being.

And the difficulties of dancing with a partner
Increase with age.

Our new puppy
Sleeps downstairs in the sun on the porch,
While I sit here writing and reading.