The Afternoon Moon

The Afternoon Moon

Grandmother reclines in the passenger seat,
while sunlight glows through her white wavy hair.
Her cheeks rosy, she smiles at me 
as I drive east toward the Blossom Trail.
I beam back, then remember
my mask hides my mouth.

We pass some almond orchards,
the flowers like drops of warm vanilla cream
under the clear blue sky.
Grandmother remarks how some trees 
already dropped their petals,
though it’s not even March.

A white half moon climbs the sky,
like it wants to get a jump start on night,
even if it’s only two o’clock.
It tries to rush away my Sunday,
my present moment, my time with Grandmother
into a whole week without her.
Will it hasten the day
she’ll move into assisted living,
where I won’t be allowed to see her?

Published in Song of the San Joaquin, Spring 2021 Issue
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Cummings Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 10:12 AM
Beautiful and heartfelt. You have a wonderful style for telling a story.
Fenn Avatar
October 29, 2023 at 2:11 PM
Thank you Kevin! I really appreciate your kind comment.
Fenn Avatar
October 29, 2023 at 2:10 PM
Lawrence Avatar
August 21, 2021 at 1:47 PM
Jennifer, Beautiful and heartfelt. So descriptive I could see the trees and the sky as I rode along with you and your grandmother. A visceral feeling of loss at the end. Lovely. All the best to you, Susan :)
Fenn Avatar
August 22, 2021 at 3:57 PM
Oh, thank you Susan, for the lovely comment! So great to hear from you!
Sands Avatar
July 28, 2021 at 2:26 PM
Very nice Jennifer. I enjoyed this and could see the sights like I was there :)
Fenn Avatar
July 29, 2021 at 1:37 PM
Thank you Heidi! Thank you for letting me know I achieved my goal for my readers: to make them feel like they are in the places I depict.
Callus Avatar
July 10, 2021 at 9:44 AM
You have a keen eye for detail, Jennifer, thus the captivating imagery. I enjoyed reading, even though the ending is somewhat sad. ~ Regards // paul
Fenn Avatar
July 10, 2021 at 5:23 PM
Hi Paul! Thank you for visiting me. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Grandma is moving to an assisted living facility on Monday, but praise Jesus the pandemic status is that I can visit her if I wear my mask in the hallways and can take her on outings.
Mcconnell Avatar
July 6, 2021 at 1:43 PM
A great tale well told Jennifer, with such good imagery and insightful expression too. Hope all is good with you, Gordon
Fenn Avatar
July 8, 2021 at 1:39 PM
Thank you Gordon for your visit and encouraging words! All is well. Hope all is great for you too.
Goldsmith Avatar
June 30, 2021 at 11:03 AM
A wonderful story/write. Congratulations you had it published. Have a blessed day.................
Fenn Avatar
June 30, 2021 at 1:37 PM
Thank you Paula! It’s always so great to hear from you. Have a nice 4th!
Hankins Avatar
June 12, 2021 at 1:13 PM
Another very expressive poem with deep poignancy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, Jennifer.
Fenn Avatar
June 12, 2021 at 1:16 PM
Thank you much! I am glad you enjoyed it.
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