There is laughter in the hall!
the elevator door closes noisily
having delivered a tide of colour.
Ear-rings jangle, packages dangle,
flowers, books assemble
on well-filled arms.
The daughters have arrived!

On sunny days
after family lunch,
they visit Mother —
or perhaps Father —
but not so often.
He is now a picture frame,
soon to be bordered
by the exotic orchid,
the Murry-mints and grapes.

The outside world has whirled in —
A tidal-wave of daughters
telling tales of living, loving,
lunches;
little episodes of mirth,
surprise or sadness,
to keep Mother up-to-date
with the world she knew.

When evening closes in,
supper brings together
all the stories of the day;
there is much to talk about.
Later, peacefully in bed,
memories merge with dreams.
Daughter's orchids — caught
monotone in moonlight,
bring the day quietly
to its close.

© by Rhona Aitken.
Used with the author's permission.