back at my old apartment
when my mother and I lived there alone
I am in my twos
but not so terrible
today
I ride down the drive
on my red metal tricycle
I look backwards
over shoulder
apprehensive
I am in motion and yet
frozen in an instant
my glance made immortal
by the flick of a shutter
behind which crouches my mother
probably assuring me that everything
would be alright
no need to be looking back
But my lips are parted
my front teeth showing white
my eyes staring backwards
sideways
anywhere but ahead
I am scared
in this picture
back in the days when
I did not want to ride away
on my red metal tricycle
back in the days when
I needed her to tell me to go
Funny now
how I would give most anything
to be back on that trike
and go
and know
she would be right there
when my feet would pedal me back
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