Day 620

Once you woke and walked
to the bakery down the street,
bought bread and sweet rolls
for your family.  This
happened day after day.  You
were always the first
to wake.  You loved
walking out into early light:
the breeze from the sea, smiles
of neighbors on their way
to work, children’s voices
from the open windows:
playing, squabbling.  The sounds
of lids being placed on pots.  Smells
of cooking.  Once!  Once
for years.  These
were your mornings:
returning home, arms
abundant with goodness, your
younger sisters and brothers
racing each other
to the front door.