IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CIRCLE

In their “immortal” youth
they decided upon one.
One child, who wouldn’t
intrude upon their plans
for exploration, travel, freedom.
The child was lonely and withdrawn.
She watched large families and
felt a hurt deep inside.
She entertained herself
and existed in a shell
where she could hear the ocean roar
and talk to creatures of the sea.
She ultimately relinquished
the hope of siblings
and went about her way.
They traveled the world over
while she was away at college
still waking with empty perceptions.
Now, her life is full,
with a loving husband,
children and grandchildren.
She is ready to fly away,
accomplish things,
travel, explore.
Her mother calls and tells her,
“I am lonely.”
I need to see you.
Why are you going to be gone so long?
“I am lonely and blue.”
The mother is no longer free
and she attempts to seize the time
her daughter has left in this world.
The only child cries out in anger
because of the children
who were never conceived.