Holly Thompson-I

Charm  

 
 
 

each morning

as she sets off for work

Saya, adult daughter

of the woman across the street

turns as she rounds the bend

waves with furtive tilt of hand

mouths itte kimasu—

I go, I will return

pact

charm

talisman

 

to her mother

shadow behind curtain sheers

who mouths back

itte irashai—

you go, you will return

 

my teen daughter

throws a ja ne or bye

over her shoulder

as she leaps down steps

hurling herself into

another school day

 

charm me

I want to say

as she rounds the bend

 

I say my half anyway

 

you go, you will return

you go, you will return