Waiting

Her eyes brightened with a smile,
as she paused in her tasks for a while.
“He’ll be back soon,
Coming home at last,
The long wait has been worthwhile.”

She checked on the steamed chicken,
And made sure the beef stew thickened.
A stir-fried dish stands ready,
Of mushrooms and seasonal greens.
As she looked to the time, her heart quickened.

On the table, the plates were placed.
In and out of the kitchen she paced.
The meal was set,
An epicurean’s delight.
Each moment she waited, her pulse raced.

Minute by minute the clock struck ten.
There’s still no sign of him round the bend.
She looked at the dinner,
Now gone cold.
Second by second anxiety rends.

She looked out of the window for a sign,
For her son’s return, she pined.
The door bell rang.
From her seat she sprang.
“Finally! Everything will turn out fine.”

She opened the door to see men in blue,
Of their purpose she had no clue.
“A truck hit,
And he died on the way”
She fell as she wished it was not true.

Her eyes dulled with her grief,
as she mourned and lost her sole will to live.
“I’ll be coming to you,
Old as I am, we’ll reunite at last,
Without you, this life will be brief.”