One Last Time

© Corinne Fenton

With my mother’s key
I close the door
and walk away
one

last

time

grasping a rainbow of memories,
a montage of moments
to hold –

little fingers itching to catch
a bouncing ball,
chubby legs on blue tricycles,
laughter
flowers
home made biscuits
and mud pies . . .

and a little girl watching

grandma’s guiding hands

paste autumn leaves

on parchment –

to cherish.

a toddler in blue overalls

small hammer in hand

following grandpa –

everywhere

echoes of happy voices
carried on the breeze
now cling to the walls
in this place of happiness
and hold-tight memories

music
songs
special gatherings
these moments will be part of us
forever

with my mother’s key
I close the door
and walk away
one

last

time.