Don’t blink
or they’ll be grown,
living in different places,
separated by more
than miles,
by the race
of life.
Don’t blink
or you’ll miss
realizing this kiss
is the last one
they’ll permit
because they’re too old now
and that’s gross.
Don’t blink,
take it in,
a snapshot in your head,
perhaps the last
innocent, naive
grin they’ll have
before the world
gets hold of them.
Don’t blink
away the days,
taking for granted
all the ways
they wanted to play
for a while with you
when you had too much
to do.
Don’t blink.
But if you do…
know that neither time
nor place
could ever erase
the love you graced
nor the memories
you made,
and even if they
scrunch up their faces,
kiss them anyway,
no matter their ages,
and make a point
of making them smile
because more than ever,
they could probably
use it now,
and take the time still
to take time outs
in life to play,
send an airline ticket
their way,
and when the tears
of yesteryear start
to fill your eyes,
even if your loved ones
have left this life…
Blink.
Slowly.
Find them,
feel them,
in your closed eyes.
Blink
the sad tears away.
Let the happy ones
fall.
For all they have brought you.
For all they have of you.
Blink.
And just like that,
you are reunited again.
I’m glad I didn’t blink away his childhood and adolescence, nor do I blink away his phone calls or IM’s. I’m glad I didn’t blink way her loving embraces, even in the depth of her illness and decline. I’m glad I don’t blink away the sage letters of an aging mother, or forget all her admonitions from my growing-up years.
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I’m glad you didn’t either. It’s a daily lifelong reminder, especially for myself.
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Beautiful reminder to cherish each moment.
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