Mother

Amid the bustle and the heat,
The hawkers and the deli meat,
She appeared.

Like an orchid amongst the daisies,
with a rhythm all her own;
the sun following her every step
to glint like fervent copper in her hair.

It seemed as if she bore
An air of soothing coolness in her wake,
That all who passed through that perfumed hallow
Breathed air as pure as snow.

And she smiled at her own thoughts;
And meandered with ease through hectic crowds --
A song in her throat,
A swing in her step,
A delicate flash of her ankle.

Youth was strung across her shoulders
And beauty like rouge upon her cheeks.
She smiled as she reached for me,
Whispering, "Darling."

And I answered, "Mother."