A Mother Waits at the Front Door

She notes how the days
have grown shorter.
A cacophony of grackles
near a cornfield fills the air. 
A farmer across the road
walks along his field
checking his corn before harvest.
Leaves rustling
in the wind sing.
The construction crew
has passed her driveway.

She asks the flagger to
help her daughter across.
The school bus arrives
late afternoon. Lights flash
She rushes onto the porch
and hugs her daughter
who wears a backpack.

The mother notices 
the sky is gold
as she looks out the window
and cooks supper on the stove.
Her daughter sits in a chair
hands folded on her lap.

So good to see her daughter
she thinks after letting go
in the morning and waiting
for a late afternoon embrace.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Rodrigues Avatar
September 16, 2026 at 2:23 PM
A nice Autumn scene with mother and daughter. Simple scene with beautiful imagery. The Mom is productive, looking out for her young daughter and taking time “to smell the roses” (notices the sky is gold)
Rodgers Avatar
September 16, 2026 at 7:45 AM
Hey Mike, what a beautifully tender, steady warmth in how you capture the quiet, daily liturgy of maternal love. When we wait for someone we love to return, our awareness of the surrounding world sharpens. Parenthood is built on a continuous micro-cycle of separation and reunion: the courage it takes to let go each morning, and the profound relief of gathering them back into safety by late afternoon. Warm and evocative work, Mike. Blessings, Daniel
Kitchin Avatar
September 16, 2026 at 3:33 AM
Mike, a beautiful poem and imagery. Your poem depicts a beautiful fall day when school is back in session and road construction is still going on. I like the emotions depicted in your poem as well from a parent's perspective . A wonderful poem for the challenge.
Empress Avatar
September 16, 2026 at 12:40 AM
This is so touchin and moving. Poetic storytelling so beautifully delivered. The way you paint imagery in such a subtle yet vivid manner ensures the reader sees and feels and hears what you express! Thats just sheer brilliance! Absolute pleasure reading you Sending you light always
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