Breathing in the Background

I hear the door
Close after him
As I sit quietly
With my first
For a bit

Breathing in the background

I hear
Check on her

Through the bedroom
Through the hall
Through the long space
A should-a-been-closed door
Stands wide

Breathing in the background

I know
She’s not inside

Her name is a question
Whose answer is
Known
Out the door
Out scanning
Out left then right then left
Again

Breathing in the background

I see
A blue and white streak through a tunnel of leaves!

How could she get
So far so fast?
Swift little feet
Swift running up the street
Swift my heart skips a beat
Space and time
Fold and retreat

Breathing in the background

I scream
SHE’S OUT HERE

“Who?”
HER!
“ooowherRREEE?”
THERE! SHE’S UP THE STREET!
“HaahHOOOW?!”
RRRUUUHHHNNNNN!! BRING HER BACK!

Breathing in the Background

I wait
Put her in my arms

The strong fragile
Unknowing weight
Of her
Breathe
Smell her touch her
Breathe
Kiss her hold her
Breathe
Rock her scold her

Breathing in the background

I perceive
Make this change

Spend the remaining light
Adjusting freedom
For safety’s sake
Then in the darkness
Through the long space
Through the hall
Through the bedroom
Watch her sleep
While breathing in the
Background

Mary T. Sala has a Masters of Fine Arts from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and is a Certified Voice, Speech and Movement Trainer. She is a professional actor, poet and writer. Mary is a Spiritual Life Coach and Practitioner with a specialty in Creative Spirit Coaching©. Creative Spirit Coaching© is personalized coaching designed to help you engage your creative spirit and learn to tap the limitless creative energy within you increasing the quality of whatever you do. She coaches individuals, groups and organizations in person and online at www.rootsforinspiration.com . Mary lives and coaches in the foothills above Pasadena with her husband of ten years and their two daughters.

Email: Mary T. Sala

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