ONCE A YEAR. A COUNTRY ROAD Poem by RIMVYDAS STANKEVIČIUS

I know what you are coming for Mom
that's why
the door's unlocked all night
the light's not out it pokes
its coarse snout
closer

That's why there's a country road
along which only you
along which only you'd walk and walk
even before cockcrow when hoarfrost
grabs the legs

I know it's your hired
elegant aching fingers
making the bed
buttoning the shirt
later on tapping
on the windowsill

I'm also waiting
finally we will top - dress
the silence with words

-Why, sonny, why?
What got into your head?

-I'll manage myself, Mom.