Ann Carter Richardson

a man stands in the middle of a forest surrounded by ferns

Saying Goodbye to Sundays

By Ann Richardson

Bulb in the bathroom burned out
I’ll change it tomorrow, it’s just what lights do
I wasn’t listening, I didn’t hear, I couldn’t see
The burned out light had changed the view.


I said this might pass quickly as in days gone-bye
Shared thank you’s as so many nights before
We watched the west immersed in last lights linger
beyond the old screen door.


A moment away, a whisper away
Listen for the sound of life exhaling
The light was dimming, still we weren’t ready for Sundays to be over.


In your favorite chair I find you, blinds raised east toward morning sun
The bounding dog’s voice wavered, she warned me on my way
Surprised yet relieved expression, relaxed upon your face
A glass of water just been poured. See you ain’t been gone long.


Snuggled in your night clothes, slippers on your feet
Cozy wrapped up in a blanket that she crocheted for me
Your hands still warm and supple as I release them from my clasp
A glass of water just been poured. See you ain’t been gone long.


A moment away, a whisper away
Listen for the sound of life exhaling
The light was dimming, still we weren’t ready for Sundays to be over.


Hear your daddy calling, feel your mothers reach
So glad you’ve come home your lover whispers…
I’ve been waiting, you are right on time.
All of them to greet you, open arms and bursting hearts
Veils of time and space released.


A moment away, a whisper away
Listen for the sound of life exhaling
The lights were dimming, still we weren’t ready for Sundays to be gone.
A glass of water just been poured. See you ain’t been gone long.


So glad you’ve come home your lover whispers…
I’ve been waiting, you are right on time.


Saying Goodbye to Sundays © 2019, Ann Carter Richardson
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