Stars
by Robert C. Frost

Out back-
away from the traffic
and streetlights,
in the tall grass
between the maples
and the clothesline,
she'd wait
for her mother
to stumble
to her there . . .
to lie beside her
and watch the stars.

Neither knew
just how or when
mother came
to want so,
but she wondered
about those moments
that determine our direction,
that define us . . .
like that very moment
when her mother became
so desperate.

Out back-
away from the traffic
and streetlights,
in the tall grass
between the maples
and the clothesline,
she'd scold her
for her need,
and there'd be laughter
and small, sad smiles
and wet, starlit eyes
all around.

And she knew
just how and when
she came to love
her so,
and she remembered
each starry moment
that gave her determination
and defined her . . .
all those soft moments
she loved enough
to forgive.