POETRY
Georgette Yu
The Trip
She sat waiting, staring out in space littered with things.
It was a warm afternoon.
I busied myself around the house painted blue.
I have not seen her this way.
When she used to get things done, she now needed someone to get them done.
I wondered, have I been away too long?
I busied myself around the house.
I folded the blankets and all that matters.
She asked me to find her a help, as she sighed and helped tidy up the bed.
I have not seen her this way.
When most of the chores were done, her day began and we were gone.
I wondered, have I been away too long?
The sun was setting. Dad would be back by then.
The kitchen was quiet but the fridge was full.
I scavenged around for food, half-eaten, perhaps bitten.
I asked if there was anything else to eat. She looked uncertain.
I sighed, wondered and pondered. Pot and pans, I fumbled.
I wondered, have I been away too long?
The TV was loud. Mom was napping. Dad was dozing. The evening was longing.
I sat staring out in space littered with things.
Gazing at memories of my family, of a family, of the family.
I looked at what was left behind.
When there used to be kindred spirit, it was warm and bright.
I wondered, have I been away too long?
As dawn broke, my bags were packed.
It was a warm and bright morning start.
I sat waiting. She sat waiting.
Between us were years apart.
My bags were worn, our days forlorn.
When she bid me goodbye,
I wondered have I said goodbye.