jln.

I remember
being sick
some fever
sweating profusely
strangely freezing
and shaking.

I was five.

And she - hers was
the hand
that constantly checked
my temperature
101℃
the thin poisonous
contained mercury
whispered.

Hers was the
worried eyes that
looked down
at the sick shell
of a child I was.

Hers was the
reassuring smile that
calmed my young
heart and silently
told me I was gonna be
all right.

Tonight,

hers was the foot
I was softly massaging
to relieve her
pains of walking

to ease
the swelling of
her roughly lined
ankles brought about
by years of
walking
working

more walking

to get us
where we are now.

She smiled
as she kissed
and hugged me
goodnight.

I know that smile.

That's the one
that says
everything
is gonna be
all right.

Calming
embracing
my already adult heart.

©jln.