I am peeling an orange at the sink

A clementine actually

Thinking about the world

The virus, the uncertainty of it all

Missing the kids

The grandkids

The normal day to day life

We once knew

When I’m suddenly aware

Of a hint of White Shoulders

Her favorite

I turn slightly and there she is

My little leprechaun of a mom

I drop the fruit and turn fully now

She is radiant- her voice

Almost an echo

“My darling clementine” she coos

“My sweet girl”

She takes her tiny delicate hands

And cupping my cheeks whispers

“It’s going to be okay honey”

I close my eyes and the pent up tears

Of the last month run in tiny rivulets

Down my face

Around my nose

Passing over my lips

And I taste the salty

Bitterness of our new reality

I feel the faintest kiss on my forehead

And then I’m alone in the kitchen

Turning back to the sink

I breathe in deeply

The scent of the citrus

Filling the space