READING IN MY CHILDREN'S ROOMS

I read in my children's rooms
even though they no longer inhabit
them. Rooms that still contain
books and me.

Listening
I hear the echo of their voices.
"Mom, can you come in here a minute?"

When the lamp is turned
just right, the shadows dance on
the walls, taking the shape of
little children.

I reach out my hands
but grasp only air. My eyes drift
back to the page and I escape
into a world of words
and dreams.