Visiting Maryland

Visiting Maryland

I remember golden leaves floating to the sidewalk,
Covering the cracks that we side-stepped jokingly,
Reciting the old adages.
I remember soft sweet snow falling, piling,
Fitting easily into our gloved hands,
Compacted into snowballs for our fights in the driveway.
I remember winter sunlight shining down
Through the bare branches,
Warming our hair, our faces,
As we drifted to and fro in the breeze.
I remember pumping my legs,
Pushing the swing higher and higher, staring at the sky,
Stopping only to push you so you could be as high as me.
I remember winter nights,
Cold legs curled under thick blacnkets,
Warm bodies, hearts beating together,
Reading bedtime stories and slipping out silently,
When you fell asleep.
I remember saying goodbye,
While you twirled on the gleaming wood floor,
Your tutu swirling around your bare legs,
Your face lit up with excitement as you pirouetted.
I remember you danced beautifully,
All grace and leaping and lithe limbs,
As I rushed out the door,
Waving goodbye,
To make it to the airport on time.
I remember visiting you that winter.