Another poem by Adrien Helm

 

Adrien Helm, second from left, summer 2022

September 16, 1991 – 6:45 a.m.

 

Sun warms the window glass,

The table’s butterscotch expanse,

Falling across placemats with

Indifferent grace.

 

The pitcher of milk, orange juice

Wait be-dewed. Spoons

Bowls, cereal, fruit ranked

In silence.

 

The coffee maker’s steady drip

Overwhelmed by thumping

Clumping shod feet thundering

Down the back stairs.

 

Bodies hurtle to the table

Arms jostling, hands reaching,

Sudden cacophony of hasty

Childish bickering.

 

Moments later schedules re-checked,

Packs collected, kisses delivered,

Screen door slams, the Sun resumes

It’s quiet business. 

 

            AWH @ July 12, 2023