When I stood on a hilltop behind Chestnut Ridge Middle School, the late afternoon sun bathing my face. I sought comfort, a new teacher so overwhelmed with the demands of the new profession, and a steep learning curve ahead.

Or when Mira and I took Frank on the plethora of outings: Childrens’ Museums, Amusement Parks like Sesame Place, hikes in Harriman State Park.

Or when we attended his High School graduation. Or when we left him at Binghamton University for the start of his freshman year.

Or when we all realized he would not return this Spring.

How quickly

those days become

these days

our apartment bathed

in the setting sun

for Tanka Poets on Site: Gerry Muse #395. Prompt for 24th February 2024 Those Days