REUNION

I VISIT MY CHILDREN AFTER A LONG SEPARATION

A long drive to this place
To do what i must do
Not just for me
But for them.

I park in front of the house
A place I have never been
My apprehension grows
I walk to the door.

My family is inside, I stand confused
I should knock, this is not my home
Deep breath, take courage, here goes
His wife opens the door.

She smiles, I'm expected
My babies, half grown, watching "Roger Rabbit"
Their eyes turn to me, excitement
I see blurred.

A cacophony of shrill voices
Each saying different things
Yet the same
They are happy I'm here.

I smile, I am numb
I say the right things
They smile
They give me hugs.

I cannot feel my heart break.

July 1990