Only A Play

Donna Freeman

May 19, 2024

Mom owned Dad’s time.

She took his strength

already declining. 

Both knew their parts,

performed for years,

some comedy, some tragedy.

With tears and laughter,

they shared it all.

Now Dad took the lead

in this new drama,

willingly coached her.

She would be his star. 

He saw she could fit the part, 

costumed her just right.

Sweater to match the skirt,

hair colored dark again,

clipped short just as

he knew her years before. 

The play could now begin.

Each morning of each day

went the same way.

Mom soon grew to know the plan,

acted true to script.

Dad just so glad

he had her back again. 

Until the play one day changed.

Mom stood on the stage

suddenly alone.

She looked around. 

Where was her coach,

 her partner, her friend?

She could not find him.

Her mouth opened wide

but emitted no sound.

Dad, just behind the curtain,

knew his cue, came to her side.

He found her lost words

and delivered them.

The play could go on.

After that performance

Mom was never seen 

at the theater again.

Dad, with no one to cue,

soon decided to exit too.

His final bow played

to an empty house.

Donna Freeman has been writing poetry since age 12. Donna’s poetry has appeared in Wilderness House Literary Review, Blue Lake Review,  Public's Radio "Virtual Gallery," and several ekphrastic art exhibits. She is a retired clinical social worker and teacher and passionate animal lover.