I missed you today
so I took you with me
into all the quiet pauses of my day
and instead of grumbling at the traffic
listened to that song you like
and waited in line
patient for once
picturing you there with me
I walked with you, in my mind,
the thirty feet to the mailbox
imagining your reaction
to the spring greens that curl
from every branch
laughing at the tulips
that I didn’t plant
at the park I told the kids
about how grandma
is the best swing pusher
and dandelion picker
every picture I snapped
was for your benefit
even the gentle spring rain
reminded me of you
so much more a friend
than a mother