Haiquilt

syllables can’t sew
or piece together quilt art
but her grandma can

haikus can’t capture
the hours of work, the cloth
from her grandma’s trunk

yes. a thousand words.
a thousand hours of love
for her granddaughter

My Middle

so perfectly dark
hidden behind black masks
and secret smiles

i want the cute cat
and not the cracked-up pavement 
through the broken woods

it's almost over
(we say goodbye tomorrow)
for now, there's a view

my baby's driving
(i can't believe she's fifteen)
and finding her way

the youngest’s birthday 
(an early celebration)
before big sis leaves

Toy Story 3. Now.
i could carry the bag out
and cry all morning

a toy, a trigger?
my girl is off to college.
(this is no cartoon).

and so he will stay.
though i know she will leave me.
each grinning their truth.

with a perfect score
my youngest surprises me
(she’s ready to drive)

before the long drive,
enjoy the perfect park. shop.
soak up cousin time.

eat your sister’s meal
till the next time you see her.
too long (just too long).

your daughters will drive.
together, we can make it.
we will rule the night.

it’s all we can rule
with the oldest off to school
we can rule the night.

cycling through hills
of perfectly green horse farms 
before paddling

bucket lists are short
but should include Kentucky 
for its soft beauty