Poems for Adoption Search and Reunion 5

Poems for Adoption, Search and Reunion Page Five

16 to 5

Papers, forms and documents -
My signature set our lives in motion -
apart
apart.

But blood calls out to blood -
Today we'll meet again.

I glance in the mirror.
(The years had slipped away
when you phoned.
I was transported back,
to just sixteen
and alone).

In the mirror
I see the years
etched across the glass.
I look at the clock -
Panic sets in.
It's almost time -

I inspect my dress,
wonder if it's alright.
Maybe the color is wrong -
You said you like blue -
Will it look as though I'm trying
to impress you?

Will I seem too forward -
too eager?
There is no etiquette,
no Post guide
to follow.

In the living room
I search familiar faces -
the rest of my family.
They, too, are eager,
and a little afraid.

Your half-sister is doing homework.
She has braided her hair,
and wears new earrings.

Your half-brother has put on a clean T-shirt.
He's listening to his CD player.
He pauses to ask me if you
like rock music.
I say I don't know.

My husband is reading the paper,
his feet on the hassock.
He smiles reassuringly,
then reminds me that it's almost time.

My heart thumps,
as I go into the kitchen,
make sure the coffee is ready.
Do you drink coffee?
I forgot to ask.

I sit down at the table.

There are five steps from the kitchen
table to the door.

The doorbell rings,
And I take those five steps,
toward the door,
toward the past,
toward you.

- 1987

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