I saw myself today
30 years ago a newlywed
In that cabin across the river
Where I sat for hours watching the currents sweep over the boulders
Time spent with my lover in solitude and adventure with dreams of the future and contented pleasure.
I saw myself today
20 years ago a mom of two hilarious children
Camped out on the floor in that cabin across the river
A family on vacation, swimming hole, and fishing poles
A walk to the gingerbread factory, the hat shop and the toy store ending with a German pretzel and dinner at the Baren Haus.
I saw myself today
In the present
Reflected in a store window
Shopping and thinking and exploring
Years of child-raising replaced by caring for my elderly mom
Picking wildflowers and pine cones and creating new things in my head
A time of respite and renewal, observing the changes that have taken place and those things that never change.
I saw myself today
20 years from now
Walking hand in hand with the same man I always loved
Coming to a light pole in the sidewalk with hands temporarily parting
Quickly rejoined to explore that same town we always have, getting bratwurst, walking to Blackbird Island, and talking about the years gone by
I saw myself today
30 years in the future
My white hair askew as a caregiver pushes me, donned in a royal purple bathrobe in a wheelchair down the Main Street
Past the horse and buggy, past the shops and restaurants
A pile of flowers and ornamental grasses on my lap gleaned from the passing displays and gardens
A smile on my face in memory of days gone by.
©Belindabotzong2018
