Adjustments

It is the in-between time,
the time when waiting
is the only thing to do.
A beige time:
all colour muted to fit my mood.

Standing beside me,
my protective arm
at her child’s back,
happily unaware,
she is blithely grinding peppercorns,

pleased to play her part
in the preparation
of a celebration long awaited
with hopeful joy,
and anxious fear.

We imagine different futures,
waiting together
in our separate present,
for the return.
He is coming back.