Mama Jean

I imagine that you're walking down a quiet, empty street,

Hands crunched inside your pockets, your thoughts a mile deep.

Maybe your chest is heavy and the world has made you wary,

Or the anger at injustice is becoming too much to carry.

I imagine that a voice calls out,

"Hey, you," it gently floats.

Not out of indifference or not knowing your chosen name,

Because I'm glad to see you, just you, from my front porch today.

"Come sit, you're safe with me," I say. And I imagine that you do.

I'm glad whenever you say yes, it's more for me than you.

I imagine there's no virus so I can hug you if you need,

To sit with you in silence or listen to you grieve.

I imagine that I help you in some small, hopeful way,

That you can stand up from my porch and continue with your day.

I wave to you as you begin to leave, if I spoke, my voice would quiver.

I imagine that you're safe and sound and home in time for dinner.

I imagine you'll be back to share a calming breath,

You're always safe with Mama Jean so please come back and rest.

I love you.