For Carl

1966


I watch as you leave our home

fiercely independent

' no mom ... I can walk '

I worry about your shoes

are they sturdy enough

to keep you pain free all day

are you warm enough

dry enough cool enough

I wonder if stress

will trigger a migraine

bring your day to a screeching halt 

we navigate our city

strangers call out ' hey Carl' 

I ask, ' who's that '

you reply 'just some customers' 

Safeway ~ front of the store, your stage

place where everybody knows your name