Journey into winter in a mother’s eyes
Sun shines through, fleeting moments
A lucid smile breaks the clouds
Reminders of her summer life
Of curiosity and passion
Love of nature
Commitment to causes
Though always, the winter fog again descends
Early morning calls, panicked words
Confusion becoming a permanent state of mind
Her gratefulness is almost painful
I remind her
That I am only giving back
What she gave to me
That I am a reflection of her
Of how she raised me
In her springtime
I fear the days
When I struggle to keep
My own demons at bay
I cannot give in to them
I’m needed as her guide
To provide winter warmth
And familiarity
The journey is slow
I must take it with her
I must hold on to myself
Wrap myself against winter
For at least another day
Peter Kaczmarczyk was raised in New England and has lived the last 30 years in Southern Indiana. His works are inspired by, and grounded in his life, loves, travels, and experiences. Peter strives to create poems that are without pretense and accessible to all and hopes that his words will resonate with those who read them. He is always surrounded by cats. He has been published in the anthology Hidden in Childhood and the Passionfruit Review. He is co-creator of the Captain Janeway Statue in Bloomington, Indiana.