James McEwan

Thank you Rochelle for selecting a lovely sunset picture, “jimmy’s pool at sunset”.

Short on time this week I have contributed one of my poems which reflects the peace of the sunset picture. My apologies for going over the word count limit, but to shorten the verse would spoil the story.

More writing from Friday-Fictioneer’s HERE.

Orbiting the Moon

Mother stood staring from the open window
As I walked along the gravel garden path

She looked through me as if I was hollow
But I smiled and waved, I saw her laugh.

We sat on the veranda eating jam and scones
She asked where I had been all these years

Were you travelling in space polishing stones?
I can’t remember, she said, and wiped her tears.

I showed her the old pictures of our family
My children as babies, then going to school

Who are these people? I can’t see them clearly
Ah yes, she said. Your father, the stubborn fool.

We walked to the park and sat by the lake
She told me she was proud of her beloved son

The first Scots astronaut who promised to take
Her sightseeing past Mars and to orbit the Moon.

Is it time to go? she said, and held my hand
She pulled up the travel rug against the chill
How long will it take and where will we land?

She rested on my shoulder and slipped away
Silent, slowly with the sun sinking over the hill.

145 words