I always try to time it perfectly.
A quick peek out the window
tells me we haven’t missed our moment.
—
I wrap you in my dressing gown
cheek pressed to mine
our own little cocoon
against winter’s icy chill.
—
We hear a rumble in the distance.
You look up excitedly,
it’s coming soon.
—
Then it appears,
the garbage truck
roars down the street.
He approaches,
rolls down his window,
waves hello.
—
It might be a simple occasion,
yet we can always rely
on our garbage truck to return.
A ritual we look forward to,
through our quiet weeks.
Each small flash adds
to our treasure of memories.
—
Moments dissolve.
—
You’re walking now,
standing next to me proudly
in the flowery spring air,
the rumble returns,
you quickly reach for me,
to pick you up,
to keep you safe.
With a smile and a wave,
you greet him as he passes by.
—
Clock hands race.
—
You're in shorts and sandals,
running around the yard,
exploring while we wait.
When we hear the rumble in the air again,
you tell me we have to “stand back.”
Holding your ground, you wave and smile.
—
Daycare drop-offs have begun.
We still find time to fit
the garbage truck into our
morning routine.
—
As the leaves fall from the trees,
the driver
rolls down his window,
holds out a box.
We reach inside and grab
an Easter egg.
—
This morning, the air was sharp again.
You raced out in bare feet.
I remind myself
to make sure you wear shoes
when the garbage truck
returns again.
About the Creator
Sandy Gillman
I’m a mum to a toddler, just trying to get through the day. I like to write about the ups and downs of parenting. I’m not afraid to tell it like it is. I hope you’ll find something here to laugh, relate to, and maybe even learn from.
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More stories from Sandy Gillman and writers in Poets and other communities.
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By Vocal Curation Team7 days ago in Resources
Comments (8)
You have a cool garbage guy bring Easter cheers. That must have been a real treat for your son
Big grand gestures are cool and all, but the real value is in the tiny everyday moments scattered throughout the week that we keep looking back on with smiles on our faces. Beautiful, Sandy!
Aww this is precious. I love that you're documenting your motherhood through poems and stories. It's so beautiful, Sandy!
Oh, this is so beautiful! It reminds me of time with my family, experiencing the glorious seasons.
It's funny how these ordinary moments can be such great factors in how we measure time and precious moments.
I'm so glad you are using your gift to record these precious moments with your son. He will see how loved he is.
wow so precious
When I was a teenager, my little cousins used to get so excited whenever the garbage truck comes and wave to them. Looks like Zakk also loves doing that hahahaha. So cute. Loved your poem!