The beads of sweat multiply

on my nape,

That’s where my mother

reached to embrace

When she drove me home

under a black sky.

I’m hunched over the leather

steering wheel

In the parking lot of the yogurt

shop.

I was a little imp, fifth height

percentile

(She says she liked me

so small for so long)

I remember rocking for hours in

the rocking chair. In silence.

She loved me up.

When she rubs my back tonight

I’m afraid

that I am completely lost in age.

Will she remember my

childhood for me?

Because I can’t remember everything.

I remember the day I learned her name.

“Laurie.” That’s my mother. That’s my mother.

mother or reynard / mother or M.D.

Suddenly a stranger, no relation.

She took friends and me to the

yogurt shop

On tiptoes I peered over the

counter

We tried to win their favor with

flavor.

It didn’t work because just the

next day

Those friends did not get any friendlier.

Does Melanie’s mother even

exist?

I can have her whenever I want

her,

I can have her wherever I want

her,

I own her, her unrequited

service.

When I see her she no longer

has a face.

I feel angst but her embrace

simplifies.

For my pleasure she will self-

sacrifice.

And sometimes I forget to say

“thank you,”

Because she makes everything

so easy,

I could do it myself.

Nevertheless,

I deny she could ever deny me.

Hugs years ago, my cheek

reached her belly,

And she would pull away as I

dragged her.

Now our shoulders cave in to

each other’s

She waits to let go until I roll

‘way

And never really lets go —

always embracing.