Marcus And Pablo Poem by Oni Hayes

I, variable child
Never memorized
Their tedious feed

I, maternally matured
Endeavored
Their sweet actuality

First the one
Ebony gilled
Safety observed

Second the new
Sunshine speckled white
Laughter in delight

Together, the incandescent
Water Walk
Adopt-tied

Like little children
Playing tag throughout
Their playground tank

I, proud
Devoted so
Never would let go

Time arisen
Both still
There

I’ve taken
Loyal care
Until uncontrollably unforeseen

Walked in turned
On the light
To find my babies



Together, they lend
On each other
As always did



Yet, covered
In slime
It was clear they were near

Watched the short breaths
Together they took
Closed my eyes

But, the tears still came
Rested to pillow
Wished

In the morning
They were gone
Belly turned up, white

I couldn’t deal with the site
Again I was here
A mother in tears