Of Realizations and Routines

 Emily (middle) with her sisters, Victoria (left) and Melissa (right) on the evening we celebrated Emily's last birthday as Miss Emily. Next year she is hoping to be Mrs.

It slams, like a wave on my back

Unexpectedly; its pain

A Realization of what will never

Come to pass

Again

Surely love should don calluses

But its pain is raw and keen

I've learned by heart its ache

In give-and-take

Routine

And suddenly, unexpectedly

Like a wave’s stinging smack

I feel the grief of disbelief

In what I can never have

Back

© Janet Martin

I am constantly being hit with the realization that life as I knew it is over soon. The, 'this is the last first day of summer with our whole family living at home... this is the last time the peonies will bloom before the wedding... this is the last time...it goes on and on, But, love adapts with change!(and most of our 'lasts' we do not recognize; most of our 'lasts' we do not know)

Another realization I am admitting to, is that no matter how often I say ‘Use the closet!’ they will never use the closet. While I was writing this poem I tripped on some shoes on my way to the laundry room...