Candles are Calendars

There's a fleeting moment in time

As the flicker illuminates your face

In this mother's mind of mine,

Somewhere inside, there' still a trace

====~

of baby feet pattering

& dolls up on the shelves

memories are scattering

different versions of ourselves

====~

when the crowd starts to gather 'round

the shy smile just cracking from behind

the smell of sugar brings the sound

of all your stages intertwined

===~

I replay all the cakes and wishes

each an aging milestone

lego blocks, teddies, and squishes

a tea set; now a phone

===~

a scallop of frosting for every past moment

that you haven't thought of since

every memory that I'm holding

an attempt to hold your innocence

==~

In the shadows there's a truth

at the sight of decor for the day

I just see your youth

like balloons floating away

==~

in that lingering space

between flame and extinguishment

lives a magical place

teetering distinguishment

=~

of pain and pride, both closer and farther away

where your life and mine blurs

Cheers. The smoke clears. Yet, my mind conveys

whoosh, candles are calendars